Colombia Independence Day: A Celebration of Pride and Tradition
Colombia Independence Day Celebrates Freedom, Culture, and Community Every year on July 20, Colombians around the world celebrate Colombia Independence Day, one of the country’s most meaningful national holidays. While the date honors Colombia’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1810, it has become much more than a historical anniversary. Today, it is a celebration of culture, family, music, food, and the traditions that unite Colombians wherever they are. Whether in Bogotá, Medellín, Miami, New York, or Madrid, July 20 brings Colombians together with flags, parades, traditional cuisine, and, of course, a shared toast of aguardiente. It is a day to celebrate the country’s past while embracing everything that makes Colombia unique today. What Is Colombia Independence Day? Colombia Independence Day commemorates the events of July 20, 1810, when citizens in Bogotá began the movement that eventually led to Colombia’s independence from Spain. Although full independence was achieved several years later, July 20 marks the beginning of Colombia’s journey toward becoming a sovereign nation. Today, Colombians celebrate this historic milestone with patriotic events, military parades, concerts, cultural festivals, and family gatherings across the country. For Colombians living abroad, the day offers an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and proudly share their culture with friends and neighbors. How Colombians Celebrate Independence Day Every region celebrates Colombia Independence Day in its own way, but one thing remains constant: people come together. Throughout the day, you’ll find: The atmosphere feels joyful and welcoming. Music fills the streets, children wave Colombian flags, and communities celebrate with the warmth and hospitality that define Colombian culture. For many families, the celebration continues well into the evening with good food, great conversation, and unforgettable moments. Why Aguardiente Is Part of Colombia Independence Day No celebration of Colombia Independence Day feels complete without a toast. For generations, aguardiente, has been part of Colombia’s most important celebrations. Weddings, birthdays, festivals, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Independence Day all share one common tradition: gathering around family and friends to raise a glass together. More than a spirit, guaro represents connection. It brings people together around stories, laughter, music, and celebration. It reminds Colombians of home, no matter where they are in the world. That is why aguardiente naturally belongs at every Independence Day gathering. Bacan: Celebrating Colombia with Every Toast At Bacan, we believe every great celebration deserves a spirit that reflects the country it represents. Whether celebrating in Colombia or abroad, every toast with Bacan becomes a celebration of Colombian heritage. Celebrating Colombia Beyond Its Borders Millions of Colombians now live outside their home country, yet Colombia Independence Day continues to bring them together. Restaurants organize special events. Cultural organizations host festivals. Families gather to cook traditional recipes, play Colombian music, and proudly wear the yellow, blue, and red of the national flag. Many also introduce friends from different cultures to Colombian traditions for the very first time. For international guests, July 20 becomes an invitation to discover the warmth, joy, and hospitality that make Colombia so special. A Toast to Colombia Every country has traditions that define its identity. For Colombia, those traditions include music that invites everyone to dance, food that brings families together, and guaro that turns every gathering into a celebration. This Colombia Independence Day, take a moment to celebrate not only a nation’s history but also the people, culture, and traditions that continue to inspire the world. Raise a glass with family. Share a meal with friends. Celebrate responsibly. And toast to Colombia with Bacan Guaro—the premium guaro that proudly honors Colombian heritage, one unforgettable sip at a time.
Celebrating International Aguardiente Day: A Global Toast to Colombia’s Iconic Spirit
Bacan Guaro proudly announces the launch of International Aguardiente Day, an annual celebration held every July 12. Positioned just before Colombia’s Independence Day on July 20, this new holiday invites the world to discover and honor aguardiente—Colombia’s beloved national spirit—in all its traditional and modern expressions. A Modern Revival Led by Bacan Guaro According to Bacan Guaro Co-Founder Diana Espinosa March, “Guaro is more than a drink—it’s who we are. With Bacan and now International Aguardiente Day, we’re giving our culture a modern platform to be seen and shared.” Her co-founder Ricardo March adds, “Aguardiente deserves international recognition. This celebration honors its roots and invites the world to experience one of Colombia’s best-kept secrets.” Today, aguardiente is undergoing a transformation. Once viewed as rustic or regional, it’s finding a new voice. Bacan Guaro is leading this shift by combining quality, innovation, and cultural pride. What Sets Bacan Guaro Apart Launched in summer 2024, Bacan is Colombia’s first super-premium aguardiente. Crafted with organic first-press sugarcane, organic star anise, and purified water, it is sugar-free, vegan, and kosher-certified. With expressions at 24% and 29% ABV, Bacan is ideal for sipping, mixing, or toasting. Thanks to its refined flavor and versatility, Bacan has earned over 25 top international awards. It also appears on cocktail menus at Michelin-starred restaurants. Celebrate with Bacan Guaro International Aguardiente Day is a perfect opportunity to: To mark the occasion, Bacan encourages you to raise a glass with signature serves such as: Whether neat, over ice, or in a cocktail, Bacan Guaro offers an elevated way to experience Colombian tradition, making it the ideal ambassador for aguardiente on the global stage. A Global Invitation By establishing International Aguardiente Day, Bacan Guaro extends a warm invitation to all—Colombian or not—to explore a spirit that has long brought people together. In doing so, Bacan celebrates where we come from while inspiring where we’re going. So this July 12, raise your glass. Join the celebration of culture, connection, and Colombia’s most iconic spirit.
