Colombians made their presence known this past weekend as the Consulate of Colombia held its annual fair of services at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, NY.
Thousands attended the fair and were able to celebrate their culture in the mark of Colombia’s independence day celebrations. From July 16th – July 17th, families were welcomed into the college with raffles, games, food, music and important services offered by the consulate. Many Colombians had access to passports, identity cards, and more.
Other services like the Fondo Nacional del Ahorro (FNA; National Savings Fund) were also present, providing information and highlighting the benefits of their use. Services strongly emphasized the importance of having these needs accessible, and easier for Colombians to search for. Tu esfuerzo Construye (your effort builds) by Argos Cementos, a service which helps Colombians construct their families households, encouraged visitors to register online and begin remodeling the homes of their loved ones in Colombia.
Other services introduced themselves on stage as audience members participated with questions, leading to open discussions about the fight for peace in Colombia, and challenges faced by Colombians who are working hard to support their families everyday.
Many Colombian artists performed at the college as well, creating an energetic wave of positivity in the crowd with great salsa music, rock, and cumbia. Artists such as La Toma de Medellín, Colombian harpist Nicolás Castañeda, Martin Vejarano and the Cumbia River Band, including many more, encouraged the crowd to sing, and celebrate their culture with messages of peace all around. When Martin Vejarano and the Cumbia River Band showcased their performance, members of the audience were invited onstage to dance, and the love for music was not only observed, but felt as others joined in with high spirits.
This is the Consulates 3rd service fair provided for Colombians to join together in celebration of their country’s independence day (July 20th, 2016). For more information and photos of the event, visit http://nuevayork.consulado.gov.co/
