Discover the Battle of Boyacá, the key to independence

Every July 20, the heart of Colombia beats stronger. It is a date that connects us to our roots, to the history that gave us identity, and to the resilient spirit of a country that never ceases to amaze the world. Colombia not only celebrates its independence but also honors everything that unites us: our diverse cultures, the talent blooming in every corner, the achievements that fill us with joy, and the daily gestures that build our nation.

Learn more about the proud moments that unite us as a country here

To commemorate this date, we have gathered some of the moments that have marked our history and remind us why we are the land of beauty. From sporting feats and scientific advances to cultural achievements and expressions of national pride. And although we highlight only a few of these milestones here, there are thousands of reasons that, every day, make us feel deeply proud to be Colombian.

Sports pride: Colombia shines in the big leagues

Colombia has built a sporting history full of feats that inspire the country and the world. From the two Olympic medals of Mariana Pajón in BMX to the runner-up finish of the men's team in Copa América 2024, Colombian athletes have shown commitment, discipline, and talent on the toughest stages. This includes the crowning of Ángel Barajas as the first Colombian gymnast to win an Olympic medal, and the historic world championship of David Alonso in Moto3, an unprecedented achievement for national motorcycling.

Pride also extends to women's soccer, with the Olympic team reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in Paris 2024 and the Women's Amputee National Team becoming champions of the first World Cup in the category in Barranquilla. These achievements reflect the progress of inclusive sports and the growing recognition of female talent in all its forms. Thus, Colombia not only celebrates its past victories but continues to write new pages of pride in sports history.

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Music pride: Colombia conquers global stages

Colombia has established itself as a musical powerhouse on the international scene. Karol G was the most awarded artist at the 2023 Latin AMAs, taking home eight awards, including Best Artist, Best Pop Song, and Tour of the Year, further strengthening her global impact. Shakira won the Best Latin Song at the 2025 American Music Awards with "Soltera" and took home the 2025 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran”, solidifying her status as a global icon. At Coachella 2024, Colombians Feid, along with J Balvin, Maluma, and Karol G, shined, showcasing the wide influence of our music at major festivals.

Another highlight in music was at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards when J Balvin received the Spirit of Hope Award, presented by Maluma, a symbol of mutual recognition and the strength of Colombian talent in urban music. This act reflected the unity and talent that position Colombia as a country of innovative artists conquering global stages and continually renewing Latin music with creativity and authenticity.

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Cultural pride: Colombia leaves its mark on the world

The creative talent and cultural heritage of Colombia have shone brightly in recent years, reaffirming the country's place on the global stage. One of the most significant milestones was the premiere of the series Cien años de soledad on Netflix, the adaptation of the masterpiece by Gabriel García Márquez, filmed on national territory. Its arrival in the global top 10 showcased the power of magical realism and the value of the Colombian audiovisual industry. In the literary field, poet Piedad Bonnett was awarded the Reina Sofía Ibero-American Poetry Prize in 2024, a recognition that highlights the strength of Colombian poetry and its resonance in the Spanish-speaking world.

On the other hand, the country's advertising creativity was celebrated at Cannes Lions 2025, where Colombia won three awards for campaigns that connected tourism, sustainability, and innovative storytelling. Recognition also extended to the tourism sector: at the World Travel Awards, the country received dozens of nominations and multiple awards in categories such as 5 reasons why you should meet Colombian people, reaffirming its richness as a territory of unique experiences.

Environmental pride: Colombia protects what makes it unique

Colombia reaffirmed its environmental leadership in 2024 and 2025 with achievements that highlight its role as one of the most biodiverse nations on the planet. The city of Cali hosted COP 16, one of the most important biodiversity summits in the world. This event brought together delegations from around the globe to discuss the protection of life on Earth and advance the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Adding to this milestone was international recognition for the Gorgona National Natural Park, awarded the Blue Park Award, Platinum level, for its outstanding work in marine conservation. This ecosystem, located in the Colombian Pacific, protects key species such as whales, hammerhead sharks, and turtles, demonstrating the country's ability to connect science, ecotourism, and research. Both recognitions reflect Colombia's commitment to protecting its natural treasures and its positive impact on the global environmental agenda.

Scientific and innovation pride: Colombian minds transforming the world

Colombia also shines in laboratories and innovation centers. Neurologist Francisco Lopera was awarded the Potamkin Prize in 2024, the most important for Alzheimer's research, for identifying the so-called “paisa mutation” in Antioquian families. His work has made Colombia a global epicenter for the study of early-onset hereditary Alzheimer's and scientific innovation. In 2025, engineer Mariana Pérez was honored by the European Patent Office for her development of biopolymers created from pollutant gases, an environmental breakthrough with global impact.

Meanwhile, Valentina Agudelo revolutionized women's health with “Julieta”, a portable biosensor that detects the risk of breast cancer without radiation. This device earned her awards such as the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield and the Global eAwards. These achievements demonstrate how Colombian science is opening paths with innovative solutions that cross borders.

Gastronomic pride: Colombian flavors conquering the world

Colombia's culinary richness has achieved international recognition thanks to dishes, chefs, and proposals that exalt the country's identity. In 2025, lechona tolimense was named the best pork dish in the world by the prestigious TasteAtlas ranking, standing out for its flavor, tradition, and cultural roots. This celebration of local cuisine was joined by Celele restaurant in Cartagena, which entered the coveted ranking of the Top 50 Best Restaurants in the world. Its proposal based on the cuisine of the Colombian Greater Caribbean and its sustainable focus made it the only representative of the country on the list. Additionally, Bogotá's pizzeria Fortezza was recognized among the top 100 in the world—ranking 80th at The Best Pizza Awards 2025—thanks to its long-fermentation dough, fluffy edges, and high-quality ingredients.

Meanwhile, chef Juan Barrientos reaffirmed Colombia's place in international haute cuisine by receiving, for the fourth consecutive year, a Michelin star for his restaurant El Cielo in Washington D.C., thanks to his innovative fusion of modern techniques with ancestral roots. These achievements show that Colombian culinary talent not only preserves traditions but also innovates and shines on the world's most demanding stages.

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Each of these achievements is a living example of the ingenuity, passion, and talent found in every corner of Colombia. These are stories born in our mountains, our cities, our fields, and today travel the world leaving a mark. From laboratories to stages, from our kitchens to the playing fields, Colombians continue to show there are no limits when you work with your heart.

This July 20 we celebrate more than just a national date: we celebrate the spirit that drives us to create, dream, and inspire. And although we collect only some of those proud moments here, we know there are thousands of reasons that make Colombia a country that excites, enchants, and surprises the world.

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