A re-enactment of the “Comunero Route” is currently marching through the Cundinamarca department, with horseback riders in full military regalia retracing the path of an insurrection against Spain in the late 18th century.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism organized the event, which began on July 7 in Socorro, Santander, before traveling through the Boyaca department and on into Cundinamarca.
The historic route will culminate in a closing ceremony in the Cundinamarca city of Zipaquira on July 18 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations.
Organizers are urging tourists to travel with the parade, in order to learn more about the history of Colombia and to support communities along the trail.
“We invite all Colombians to travel these roads and feel Colombia’s diverse traditions and culture, which are the best legacy of these 200 years of our independence,” said Jaime Andres Ramirez, coordinator of the cultural tourism program in the Ministry of Culture .
“The Comunero Route” celebrates a revolt against the Spanish government that took place in 1781. Inspired by Enlightenment political and economic ideas, Colombians in the departments of Santander, Boyaca, and Cundinamarca revolted against new taxes imposed by the Spanish.
The route follows the trail of a colonist insurrection that nearly succeeded in getting the Spanish to reconsider that tax measure, until reinforcements arrived from Spain to quash the nascent rebellion. The uprising was an early harbinger of Colombian independence movements.
The route passes through the following towns and cities:
- Socorro
- Guadalupe
- Confines
- Oiba
- San Jose de Suaita
- Guepsa
- San Benito
- Cite
- Puente Nacional
- Garavito
- Saboya
- Chiquinquira
- Simijaca
- Fuquene
- Susa
- Ubate
- Sutatausa
- Nemocon
- Cogua
- Zipaquira
The “Comunero Route” is one of four “Independence Bicentennial Routes” open throughout July. More information on the events taking place on each route can be found here.