BERGEN COUNTY CELEBRATES COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Honors 215 years of Colombian Independence with Flag Raising Ceremony and Celebration
HACKENSACK, NJ – On Tuesday, July 22, the County of Bergen, in partnership with the Bergen County Latino American Advisory Board, hosted its Annual Colombian Independence Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony in the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza.
Colombian Independence Day is celebrated each year on July 20th. The date commemorates the beginning of Colombia’s fight for independence against Spanish rule in 1810. County Executive Tedesco issued remarks praising the influence of the Colombian American community and acknowledged the great diversity of Bergen County.
“Our County is proud to be home to an ever-growing Colombian population that contributes so much to our communities,” said County Executive Tedesco. “By sharing values like family, perseverance, and pride, and bringing the community together…you invite your neighbors to experience the beauty and joy of the Colombian culture. That willingness to share, to embrace your neighbors, to celebrate our diversity, is what makes us stronger.”
“As a proud Colombian American, it means so much to stand here each year with our community to celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Colombian Americans in Bergen County,” said event emcee Commissioner Germaine Ortiz. “Today’s celebration is about honoring our heritage, recognizing the incredible individuals making a difference every day, and continuing to build a more inclusive and united county for all.”
County Executive Tedesco issued a proclamation recognizing July 20th as Colombian Independence Day. The proclamation was presented to Cristano Orlando Torres, Deputy Consul of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark. Deputy Consul Torres served as the keynote speaker for the evening.
Attendees enjoyed performances by students from Latin Dance House of Bergenfield and a vocal performance by Michelle Galvis of Hackensack. Refreshments were generously donated by Broadway Café & Pastry Shop of Englewood.
The County also presented 2025 Outstanding Service Awards to members of the community.
2025 Outstanding Community Service Award Recipients:
Loried Delgado Cotrina, Bergen Community College
Diana Giraldo, “Rely on Me”, Englewood
Ulises Jaramillo, Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer
Jose Ordonez, U.S. Army
Jessica Sanchez, Bergen EMS
Nicholas Santa, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Alexandra Schafer, Bergen Community College
Photo Caption: Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, and Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton stand with Deputy Consul of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark, Cristano Orlando Torres and honorees at Bergen County’s Colombian Independence Day Celebration in the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza.
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