Here in the USA, the 4th of July mark our Independence day. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. On this day, Americans usually celebrate with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and various other events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Being born here, I’ve always felt very proud to wave the red, white and blue. But when people ask me where I’m from, my answer has always been I’m Colombian. I was born in the States but my parents are from Colombia. Even though I’ve only managed to travel to Colombia one time at the age of three, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the country and its people.
Growing up, I remember going to see the fireworks, the parades, going to barbecues and family reunions. For me this looked and sounded a bit different from a typical all-American celebration. I remember cumbia, vallenatos, salsa music blasting, empanadas, bollo and arepas being made and consumed. Lots of dancing, laughing and drinking – good times with fireworks in the night sky. July has always been a great time for me and I imagine for many Colombian-Americans. We get to celebrate the fourth and la independencia de Colombia on the twentieth.
This is one the things I treasure. In this country we have the freedom to do things and celebrate however we want! My parents are Colombians and as many like them, tried to fit in with their new surroundings in this new land. But they did it their way. Keeping those Colombian traditions alive and adopting new ones. My parents taught me that living here was a blessing, to be thankful for what I have and that I could accomplish anything in this land of opportunity. But they have also taught me to keep in touch with my Colombian roots, for this is who I am at my core, in my heart and soul.
Happy 237th Birthday USA, Feliz 4 de Julio, Happy 4th of July!
Luis Eduardo Villamizar is a director-producer-writer currently working on an upcoming documentary film entitled, A Journey to Colombia. In the film, he gives us insight into his search for understanding his identity, family history and Colombian heritage. The goal of the documentary is to educate about the beauty of Colombia and the Colombian people while contradicting Hollywood-stereotypes by displaying the country’s diverse culture, economic advances and the resilience of the people. http://www.ajourneytocolombia.com
