On the occasion of the 215th Anniversary of Colombian Independence, Her Excellency Solangel Ortiz-Mejia, Ambassador of Colombia to the Czech Republic, hosted a formal luncheon at the prestigious Carlo IV Hotel in Prague. The event served not only as a celebration of Colombia’s national day, but also as an expression of gratitude for the Czech Republic’s support during the opening of the Colombian Embassy in Prague.

The luncheon brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and esteemed friends of Colombia, forming an elegant and culturally rich gathering in the heart of the Czech capital.

Upon arrival, each guest was warmly received personally by the Ambassador, highlighting the Colombian tradition of hospitality and reinforcing the sense of close diplomatic relations. The reception area was graced by a continuous informational video showcasing Colombia’s stunning natural landscapes, biodiversity, tourism potential, and economic opportunities, setting the tone for a deeper appreciation of the country.

A Taste of Colombia – Literally and Culturally

The highlight of the event was the welcome cocktail that featured the colors of the Colombian flag and a starter with a selection of authentic national dishes such as arepa, chorizo, chicharrón and accompanying sauces. Along with the celebratory luncheon, guests enjoyed specialties prepared with rich flavors and native ingredients, mostly representative of the Colombian Andean highlands.

In addition to the festive spirit, the luncheon featured live performances of national folklore, with dancers dressed in colorful traditional costumes and musicians performing cumbia and mapalé, regional rhythms from Colombia’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts, respectively. The performances captivated the audience and brought a vibrant and lively atmosphere to the formal setting, highlighting Colombia’s cultural richness and artistic vitality.

Strengthening Ties and Looking Forward

In her speech, Ambassador Ortiz-Mejía recalled the arduous process of opening the Embassy of Colombia in the Czech Republic whose official inauguration took place last July and stressed that this celebration of the 215th Anniversary of Independence Day, more than a commemoration is a space to express deep appreciation for the support of the Czech Republic, the diplomatic corps established in Prague, as well as the other guests, recognizing that each effort, attention and interaction with them contributed to the successful establishment of the Embassy.

The event concluded with informal discussions among guests, strengthening personal and professional ties, and reinforcing Colombia’s image as a welcoming, forward-looking, and culturally rich partner on the global stage.

A Milestone in Bilateral Friendship

The 215th Independence Day luncheon was more than a commemoration – it was a powerful symbol of friendship, respect, and mutual ambition. Through music, food, and diplomacy, the Colombian Embassy created a moment of unity that highlighted not only the beauty of Colombian heritage but also the promising future of Czech-Colombian relations.