Colombians Celebrate 201st Independence Day!

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Party with Colombians on their 201st Birthday!


Colombia’s Independence Day is celebrated on July 20, because it was on that day in 1810 that Bogota declared independence from Spain.


Colombia’s Independence Day is celebrated all over the globe by Colombians. Many areas in the US have celebrations, and a Google search even turned up links to celebrations occurring in Egypt - last year, anyway. From Florida to California there were announcements of celebrations, so you might want to check your community to see if there is a local Colombian community.


Even if you can’t celebrate with the Colombian community, it’s a good excuse to sample a few Colombian coffees. Generally coffees from this area are loved for their strong aroma, heavy body and bright acidity. The perfect coffee growing climate of ample sun, warm temperatures and highlands nurture Arabica coffees and bring out wonderful flavors associated with the best coffees. The volcanic soil of some areas adds its own unique flavor.


If you want to get even more in the mood besides drinking coffee these are some other ideas:


-    Go Zumba dancing

-    Listen to music from Colombia*

-    Watch a movie about Colombia:

•    Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection

•   The Specialist

•   Romancing the Stone

-    Watch some of the youtube celebrations of the day

-    Watch video on Colombia and its coffee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4dwTzCuywI&feature=player_detailpage#t=100s





-    Eat traditional foods:

o    arepa (a bread made of corn)

o    chocoflan and arroz con leche for desserts

o    avocados, mangoes, bananas and any other tropical fruit you can find

o    White rice in coconut milk

o    If you’re a meat eater – they eat all kinds of meat at the main meal, eaten at mid-day


Last year was Colombia’s bicentennial. As they’re starting their third century, we wish this coffee-growing country the best. Happy Birthday, Colombia!


•    Here’s a music video from Colombia’s premier accordionist Jorge Villareal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clBwZx8N1aA