The Best Places to Celebrate Colombian Independence Day in California
Whether you’re a Colombian ex-pat living on the West Coast, a Colombian-American honoring your heritage, or simply someone who appreciates exciting cultural events, these are the best places to celebrate Colombian Independence Day in California.
Are you ready to party? ¡Apuraté! Let’s Go!
Table of Contents
The Best Places to Celebrate Colombian Independence Day in California
Happening just a few weeks after the fireworks on the 4th of July in the United States is another celebration close to my heart: the Colombian Día de la Independencia on July 20th.
During my four years living in Colombia, I fell in love with its lively culture, happy people, and unique traditions. One of my favorite memories is celebrating its Day of Independence there with my friends.
Though I’m thousands of miles away now in the Golden State of California, I still look forward to commemorating this dia especial.
A Brief History
Some history books summarize the Día de la Independencia like this:
- Spain colonized Colombia in the late 15th century and exerted control of most of South America for hundreds of years.
- Finally, in 1810, parts of Colombia rose defiantly and rebelled against the Spanish jurisdiction.
- Full independence came after Spain’s defeat by revolutionary leader Simón “El Libertador” Bolívar in 1819.
Today, Colombians celebrate this historic event annually on July 20th with colorful parades, traditional music, and a spirited display of national pride.
Get Ready to Celebrate
Now that you know a brief history of Colombian Independence Day, it’s time to celebrate with a bang!
California is home to some of the most exciting Colombian festivals outside of Colombia itself. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, there’s an event just waiting for you to join in the fun.
From delicious Colombian cuisine to energetic dancers and live music, these celebrations will fill your heart with pride and your feet with rhythm. Let’s get ready to celebrate!
Gather your Family and Friends
Once you’ve decided where to go, gather your family and friends and plan which festival you’ll attend to experience the true essence of Colombian culture. These events offer something for everyone, from children’s activities to adults-only dance parties.
Enjoy the infectious beats of cumbia and salsa while savoring authentic picadas like arepas – corn pancakes filled with cheese – and sipping on cold cervezas or chilled Pony Malta.
With a warm and welcoming Colombian atmosphere, you’ll make some great memories! Aim to attend a celebration with vendors, so you can take home some recuerdos to remember the event.
What to Wear
When dressing for Colombian Independence Day festivities remember the three C’s: casual, comfortable, and Colombian. Opt for casual clothes like jeans, futbol jerseys, and t-shirts in bright colors announcing your spirited mood. Select comfortable, breathable fabrics like cotton and lycra to keep you cool while dancing the day away.
Show your Colombian pride by wearing the national colors: yellow, blue, and red, and remember to accessorize with flair, adding traditional Colombian elements like a Sombrero Vueltiao – made from durable caña flecha – or a bag woven from neutral-colored Iraca Palm. You might even like jewelry made from Tagua: a carvable nut native to Colombia, known as “natural ivory.”
Now that you have the logistics down – history, family and friends, and what to wear, it’s time to select how and where you’ll celebrate!
1. Festival Colombiano in Southern California
The largest festival in California celebrating Colombian Independence Day is Festival Colombiano, which takes place at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 11003 Rooks Road in Pico Rivera, California. This year, Festival Colombiano celebrates its 40th year in 2024.
In past years, entertainment has included Grupo Niche and Son de Cali, among other famous Colombian music groups, and crowds have been known to dance right up to the minute the event closes!
This year, attendees will enjoy celebrating for two days, Saturday, July 20th, and Sunday, July 21st, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Past crowds have peaked at 15,000 people, with lively energy and delicious Colombian dishes like arepas, bandeja paisa, and empanadas.
Attendees over 21 can enjoy libations like Colombian beers bien fria and Aguardiente, a Colombian special spirit that tastes faintly of fruit and anise, best served chilled!
Tickets for Festival Colombiano start at $75 and children under 48″ are admitted free. VIP packages are available and different price points apply to special admission with perks like drink services and snacks.
Getting There
If you’re taking the Metro, L.A.’s public transit, to the Festival Colombiano, catch the Metro Gold Line to the Lincoln/Cypress Station. Look for signs for the Pico Rivera Sports Arena. The venue is a short walk from the station.
If you’re driving from anywhere near Los Angeles, ample parking is available at the venue for a fee. Be sure to check the official festival website for specific details.
If you’re flying in from out of town, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has daily flights to and from almost anywhere! Be sure to check flight schedules so you arrive with enough time to settle in before the festival, and remember to consider extra time for travel.
Where to Stay
Ramada by Wyndham South El Monte
With an outdoor pool and hot tub, the Ramada by Wyndham at 1089 Santa Anita Avenue is a fantastic choice for a festival weekend. This pet-friendly hotel is also perfect for families if you’re bringing your entire crew!
While there’s no shuttle to LAX, the Ramada by Wyndham is close to the I-605 freeway and a great value for comfort and accessibility to the nearby festival.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles – Rosemead
Located at 888 Montebello Boulevard, the DoubleTree by Hilton in Rosemead is a delightful option for your festival weekend HQ. Featuring spacious rooms and top-rated service, you’ll enjoy a cozy stay with great amenities.
Pets and LAX shuttle services aren’t provided, however, DoubleTree by Hilton in Rosemead is close to the Pomona Freeway/CA-60 and about a 10-minute drive to the sports arena.
EPIC Hotel Pico Rivera
The stylish EPIC Hotel Pico Rivera, at 7050 S. Greenwood Avenue, offers modern decor and boutique-style accommodations. Though pets aren’t allowed, this kid-friendly hotel provides a welcoming environment for families and individuals.
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There is no LAX shuttle, but EPIC Hotel is near the I-605 freeway, offering guests a trendy and convenient stay.
2. Casa de Colombia Celebration in San Diego
Another fantastic location for celebrating Colombian Día de la Independencia – and one of my favorites – is Casa de Colombia, at 2191 W. Pan American Road in Balboa Park, San Diego. This year, the FREE festival begins around 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 20th.
As one of the 31 countries in The House of Pacific Relations collection in the park, Casa de Colombia provides year-round cultural exploration and information about South America’s most magical, bio-diverse country.
The festivities, which feature no cover charge or admission fee, start mid-day on Sunday and last until the early evening. The late morning begins with vendors offering traditional Colombian food including arepa de queso, sancocho, patacón, and other delicious fare.
Friends can be seen greeting each other happily Casa de Colombia volunteers and staff offer presentations and information about their organization. As the crowd grows in the afternoon, families gather on blankets and chairs across the grass in front of a small stage, where live music and dance performances encourage everyone to join the celebration.
Past events have counted over 3,000 attendees, happily dancing and singing just before dusk falls in the park.
While the show continues, vendors selling handmade crafts and unique gifts like jewelry and textiles like the famous Colombian mochila entice attendees to take home a keepsake. It’s a day filled with happiness, culture, and a deep sense of community— one I look forward to every year!
Getting There
Casa de Colombia is easily accessible by car or via public transportation. Drivers will find ample parking near the event in the park. Festival-goers who prefer the bus can take the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System – MTS – Route 7 to Park Boulevard and Village Place. From here, it’s just a short walk through the park to the fun.
The closest airport to Balboa Park is San Diego International Airport (SAN), with convenient flights to and from the area by Southwest, Delta, American, and United.
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo San Diego
Located at 509 9th Avenue, in the Gaslamp Quater, Hotel Indigo San Diego, an exclusive IHG hotel, is unique for its eco-friendly design and rooftop bar offering stunning city views. This pet-friendly hotel is also good for families and offers relaxing spacious, relaxing rooms.
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Although there is no shuttle service to the airport, Hotel Indigo San Diego is near the I-5 freeway, providing easy access to the city’s attractions including Balboa Park and Casa de Colombia.
The Westgate Hotel in San Diego
Known for its divine, European-inspired decor, the Westgate Hotel, 1055 2nd Avenue, stands out with first-class service and luxurious amenities. While the Westgate Hotel, also known as San Diego’s most elegant hotel, is great for families, it is not pet-friendly, so your fur baby will have their weekend away.
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Travelers should note that the Westgate Hotel does not offer airport shuttle service, but is located near the I-5 and CA-163 freeways, providing convenient access to Balboa Park and other San Diego attractions, including The Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lucky D’s Hostel
Solo travelers to San Diego may appreciate the option of Lucky D’s Hostel, a unique establishment known for its vibrant social atmosphere and numerous free activities for guests. When I attended the Casa de Colombia celebration in 2022, Lucky D’s was my choice for an inexpensive, adventurous stay.
Its central location, friendly staff, and cozy dormitories provided an excellent experience and I would recommend Lucky D’s to anyone who enjoys staying in hostels!
Located downtown at 615 8th Avenue, Lucky D’s is not pet-friendly but is great for the adventurous types offering bike rentals, movie nights, and group outings to nearby bars and cafés.
Though it lacks an airport shuttle service, Lucky D’s is easily accessible by public transportation from SAN and is near the I-5 freeway, offering easy navigation around the city by bus or car.
3. Colombia Independence Day Celebration in San Francisco
If there’s one city known for being international in California, it’s San Francisco. The Colombia Independence Day Celebration, which takes place this year on July 20th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at La Placita, 1 Lilac Street, promises worldwide fun and flair.
The event is sponsored by Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, whose website states its mission is “to preserve, enhance and advocate for Latino cultural continuity, vitality, and community in San Francisco’s touchstone Latino Cultural District and the greater Mission neighborhood.”
The Colombian Independence Day celebration features live music, top-rated DJs, and exciting, all-day performances. The event is FREE and open to the public in the heart of San Francisco’s Historic Mission District also known as “El Corazón de la Misión.“
Getting There
La Placita is located at 1 Lilac Street in San Francisco’s Mission district and is easily accessible by car, MUNI – SF’s public transportation bus system – or BART, Bay Area Rapid Transit trains. If driving to the event, you’ll want to prepare to find parking early and bring funds for street meters or nearby parking garages.
If you’re flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can take BART from the airport to many locations, hire a car service, or rent a vehicle. San Franciso is an easy city to visit and is seen and enjoyed by millions of tourists annually.
Where to Stay
Inn San Francisco
Located at 943 South Van Ness Avenue, Inn San Francisco offers Victorian-era charm and beautifully maintained gardens. This kid-friendly bed and breakfast features a cozy and family-oriented environment in a fantastic location downtown.
With its historic ambiance and inviting atmosphere, Inn San Francisco is an excellent choice for those looking to experience the elegance of the City by the Bay.
Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast
Known for its personalized service and homey feel, Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast, 1257 Guerrero Street, stands out among other B and B’s, offering a genuine, local experience. Kid-friendly and welcoming families, its comfortable rooms are perfect for a romantic weekend for two, or anyone wanting a peaceful retreat in a residential neighborhood.
Union Hotel
Solo travelers may prefer the Union Hotel for its European-like, budget-friendly accommodations. Located in the heart of the Mission, at 2030 Mission Street, Union Hotel is just a short walk to Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.
While it isn’t pet-friendly or designed for families, it offers a convenient and affordable stay in small, private rooms. Union Hotel’s central location provides easy access to the Colombia Independence Day Celebration and many dining and entertainment options in the neighborhood.
4. Celebrate Colombian Independence Day at Home
Celebrating Colombian Independence Day at home is my favorite way to honor this special occasion. The food, the movies, the music, and flying the bandera from my front porch creates a day full of happiness and respect for the beloved country where I lived. Can’t attend an event or party? Here are ways to create festivities at home!
Cook Traditional Colombian Dishes
One of the highlights of an at-home celebration is cooking traditional Colombian dishes. Whether you choose to indulge in fritos – fried foods like empanadas, tostones, or buñelos, corn meal fritters served golden brown – or go straight to dessert with sweets like La Tentación – a dish featuring baked plantains soaked in Kola Roman, a red cream soda created in Cartagena – food sets the mood for a wonderful celebration!
I typically start with arepas, a staple in Colombian cuisine. If you’ve never made arepas before, you need pre-cooked cornmeal – I recommend Harina P.A.N., made in Venezuela, – warm water, and salt. Harina P.A.N. is typically easy to find in Latin American grocery stores and is vastly superior to other brands I’ve tried. Nothing quite compares to P.A.N.
Mix the ingredients, form round, pancake-like patties the size of your hand, and cook them over low heat in a greased pan until they are golden brown on both sides. Stuff the arepas with cheese and vegetables and ¡buen provecho! Good enjoyment!
Although there are many delicious Colombian drinks, they’re often difficult to find in common U.S. supermarkets. One drink that’s easy to make is Agua Panela, a beverage perfect for a Colombian celebration at home.
Made by dissolving panela – unrefined cane sugar – in hot water and adding freshly squeezed lime juice, Agua Panela is delicious. Served hot like tea or chilled over ice, Agua Panela is perfect for a festive day.
If you can’t find panela in your local Latin American market, piloncillo – another form of brown sugar – will work, but test the sweetness, as the two sabores are not the same!
Watch Movies
I love watching Colombian movies. While there are many with negative themes like drug cartels and dramatic, historic events, I prefer to watch Colombia movies that celebrate the joy and success of the country, its beautiful people, and its gorgeous terrain.
Cup of Love
A romantic comedy about an American who falls for a coffee farming expert, Cup of Love is a heartwarming film based in Antioquia. This movie has about every stereotypical character and corny scene, from a jealous Colombian ex-girlfriend to two love interests rolling around on coffee bean bags.
However, it still wins out in the end. Give it a chance and include it in your Colombian celebration at home!
Colombia Magia Salvaje
This picturesque documentary showcases Colombia’s breathtaking biodiversity and features incredible footage of unique wildlife in stunning locations throughout the country. You’ll be amazed at the colors, sounds, and wonders of Colombian naturaleza.
When I lived in Colombia in 2015, the year that Colombia Magia Salvaje premiered, the Alcaldía (mayor) of Cartagena loved it so much, that their office gave out free tickets to view the movie in theaters throughout the city. Now that’s Wild Magic!
Listen to Colombian Music
I could write an entire article on how much I love Colombian music, but, since this is a focus on celebrating the Día de la Independencia at home, I’m offering a short list of favorites with a focus on celebration, national pride, and honoring the beauty that is Colombia.
From Vallenato to Cumbia to Salsa, Colombian music, for me, is lo mejor en el mundo!
- Gracias – Fonseca
- La Invitacíon – Jorge Celedon
- Periodico De Ayer – MC Mañe ft. Faya Burning
- Esta Vida – Jorge Celedon
- Simples Corazones | Colombia, Land of Sabrosura – Fonseca
- La Tierra del Olvido – Carlos Vives
- Mi Historia – Mr. Black
- Te Entrego Mi Corazón – Andrés Cepeda and Fonseca
- La Guajirita – Diomedes Diaz
You’ll notice that I include the same Colombian artists several times. I’m biased, but I believe these artists capture the essence of appreciation for their home country!
❤️ Check out “¡Vamos Colombia!” a list of Colombian favorites y más
Connect with Colombian Friends
Finally, if you have friends in Colombia, connect with them on this special day! Call and chat via video using WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other technology to see each other’s expressions as you share stories and laughter across the miles.
I indulge in hours of videollamadas on July 20th, contacting friends in places like Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cartagena, and Valledupar, with a joyful mood of celebration and remembrance.
This blend of cooking, movies, and connecting with others keeps Colombia in my heart, filling me with nostalgia and deep love for my second homeland!
Wrap Up
Now you know the best places to celebrate Colombian Independence Day in California. Whether attending a large festival with your amigos, throwing an intimate party at home, or even making a special trip to Colombia, remember to mark your calendar for July 20th and let your amor y patria shine. ¡Feliz Día de la Independencia!
Ready to visit Colombia? There’s no better place to celebrate than in the beautiful country, where there’s always something happening. From the sunny coast to the busy cities of the interior, Colombia has it all for the curious traveler ready to embrace new adventures!
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