Edited by Anna Popper
On the occasion of Colombia’s National Day, H.E. Mr. Ignacio Enrique Ruiz Perea, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia and Mrs. María Adela Coral hosted a reception at the MOM Cultural Centre in Budapest.
Observed annually on 20 July, Colombia’s National Day marks the beginning of the War of Independence in 1810 and the country’s subsequent liberation from over 300 years of Spanish rule. This momentous day brings together Colombian communities worldwide to honour their freedom and the dawn of a new era of self-determination, celebrating the nation’s rich history, cultural diversity and the bravery of those who fought for their independence.
The event was attended by Hungarian officials, along with representatives from the cultural, academic and business sectors, as well as Colombian nationals and friends of Colombia. Aptly called the “Country of Beauty”, Colombia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, unique natural wonders, rich heritage and vibrant culture.
The national anthem of Hungary was followed by the Republic of Colombia’s anthem, “Oh Gloria Inmarcesible!” (“O Unfading Glory!”), which resounded deeply, reflecting its connection to the country’s path to independence, premiered in 1887.
In his remarks on this significant anniversary, Ambassador Ignacio Enrique Ruiz Perea stated:
“I extend a warm welcome to everyone this summer afternoon and express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence as we come together to celebrate the 214th anniversary of the Republic of Colombia’s independence.
I would like to start by mentioning that for Colombia, as a megadiverse country, it is an honour to host the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its protocols, which will be held in Cali, Colombia, between 21 October – 1 November 2024. We already have confirmation of participation from the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture and we hope that the heads of the countries represented here can do so as well.
It is a great challenge for Colombia to host the highest decision-making body that has the great responsibility to reverse and stop biodiversity loss and find innovative financial mechanisms to achieve the goals with a deadline of 2030, which we assume in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Therefore, this COP will call for action with a vision of urgency and future. We hope to have representatives from the 196 UN member states, since the challenges we face require joint work that links the different levels of society and the international system. We work diligently to give them all a voice and to fulfil the responsibility that comes with hosting COP16 under the motto: ‘Peace with Nature’.
Hungary and the Republic of Colombia have opted for a sincere, pragmatic relationship, which is reflected in the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations celebrated last year. A relationship that has been strengthened with the reopening of the two embassies – in 2017 and 2018 – and with continuous work in fields such as education. Recently we signed the renewal of the Stipendium Hungaricum program for three more years, which covers 50 Colombian scholarship recipients, and we want to correspond with the offer of the so-called ‘Colombia Scholarship’ for studies at universities in my country.
We also highlight the work for building relations in areas such as agriculture, commerce, culture, sports and other sectors where we have identified strengths and needs on both sides and where we continue our work every day at the Embassy.
On the other hand, we wish Hungary the best of success as it assumes the Presidency of the European Council and we look forward to Colombia’s Presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) with great expectative, to be held in 2025, which brings together 33 Latin American States and will host the CELAC – European Union Summit next year, of great interest and usefulness for both regions of the world.
With the unwavering support of my wife María, and my children, Nico and Cami, alongside the exceptional teamwork of our Embassy in Budapest, I am thrilled to welcome Julio Calderón, our new Consul of Colombia, to our team. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Katalin Nagy, the Honorary Consul in Szeged, for her invaluable assistance. On this significant occasion, as we celebrate another anniversary of Colombia’s independence, I invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of salsa – one of Colombia’s most deeply rooted and cherished musical genres. Alongside salsa, cumbia and vallenato also represent our rich cultural tapestry, showcasing the friendly face and inviting spirit of our ‘Country of Beauty’. Thank you very much for your attendance and we invite you to enjoy this afternoon with us.”
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Iván Medveczky, Head of Events and Protocol for Hungary’s 2024 EU Presidency at the Ministry of EU Affairs, who has had a distinguished diplomatic career, including as Ambassador in Latin American countries, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Ambassador of Colombia on the occasion of Colombia’s National Day. He conveyed his best wishes to the people of Colombia, underscoring the friendship and excellent relations between Hungary and Colombia. Mr. Medveczky emphasized the importance of further strengthening these ties.
In closing, he honoured the memory of the celebrated Colombian novelist and 1982 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature, Gabriel García Márquez, who passed away a decade ago in 2014, by quoting: “It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, but that they grow old because they stop pursuing their dreams.”
During the whole event the invitees were delighted to experience the true Colombian spirit, created by the extraordinary performances of two acrobatic salsa dancers, whose exceptional skills garnered high praise and lifted everyone’s mood.
The event concluded with a grand reception, offering an array of delicious Colombian and international dishes that were thoroughly enjoyed by all the guests.
Traditionally, members of the Colombian community in Hungary celebrate their national holiday in Budapest’s City Park, enjoying the spectacular setting of Vajdahunyad Castle with the lake. The event organised by the Embassy of Colombia, created a vibrant and authentic Colombian atmosphere, featuring lively music, dance, and culinary specialties, offering a true taste of Colombia in the heart of Budapest.
“Country of Beauty” – Discovering the Splendour of Colombia
An International Promotion to explore Colombia’s rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and to experience a land unlike any other. Colombia boosts extraordinary wealth of unparalleled features: the convergence of two oceans, six majestic snow-capped mountain ranges, six diverse deserts, and the vast Amazon rainforest that encompasses 42% of the country. Colombia’s rich biodiversity is truly remarkable, home to 10% of the world’s species. The nation’s cultural heritage is equally impressive: 65 indigenous languages, over 1,900 native bird species, and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Among these is the Chiribiquete National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the largest protected area in Colombia, and the confluence point of four biogeographic provinces: Amazon, Andes, Orinoco and Guyana, a vast and unique landscape in southeast Colombia, spanning 43,000 km2 (17,000 square miles), from its huge territory of 1,141,748 km2 (440,831 sq mile).
Known locally as the “Maloca of the Jaguar,” Chiribiquete is a world-renowned treasure, unique in its significance and beauty. This remote and pristine region is a treasure trove of biodiversity and ancient history. The world’s largest collection of prehistoric rock art was discovered in the Amazonian rainforest in 1987, featuring over 75,000 rock paintings created by indigenous people, dating back more than 24,000 years. These breath-taking artworks, found on the walls of 60 rock shelters, provide a vivid depiction of hunting scenes, now-extinct ice age animals, battles, dances, ceremonies and various flora and fauna. The jaguar, a symbol of power and fertility, is a prominent subject in these paintings. For the indigenous communities, Chiribiquete is a sacred site that must remain untouched and preserved in its original state.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in Budapest
Photos by the Diplomatic Press Agency
