Colombia's Independence

The vase is an important symbol, but Colombia's independence was much more than one argument inside a shop. July 20, 1810, marked the beginning of a long political and social process involving citizens, leaders, soldiers, and communities from different regions.

In 1810, Spain was experiencing a serious political crisis. In the New Kingdom of Granada, many local leaders wanted a greater role in government.

On July 20, a group of Creoles planned to ask Spanish merchant José González Llorente to lend them a flower vase. They expected a negative response that could create public tension. The discussion became a reason to gather people in the streets and demand political change.

That day, a Supreme Governing Junta was formed in Santafé. This weakened the authority of the colonial government, although the new Junta still recognized the king at first. This was considered a revolutionary step, rather than the complete end of Spanish rule.

Colombia's independence was not created only in Bogotá. Towns, provinces, rural communities, women, Indigenous people, Afro-descendant communities, soldiers, workers, and political leaders formed part of a complex historical process.

This diversity is an important part of Colombia's heritage. It also helps us understand that a country is always built through many voices, experiences, and memories.