The symbolism of this commemoration went beyond the festive. It served as a reminder of the legacy of struggle, autonomy, and resilience that distinguishes Chiquinquirá and its people. The celebration allowed each citizen to find not only a source of pride but also an opportunity to renew the responsibility of keeping alive the historical, social, and spiritual values that have shaped the city’s identity. In this sense, the significance of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá was highlighted as the center of Marian devotion throughout Colombia, an element that deeply connects the religious, cultural, and community life of the nation.
The history of Chiquinquirá is a narrative woven between faith, culture, and the courage of its people. It was the stage of the miracle of the renewal of the Virgin’s Canvas in 1586, an event that transformed it into the spiritual heart of Colombia and a place of pilgrimage for millions of faithful. Years later, the spirit of liberty reached Chiquinquirá, along with the firm decision of its inhabitants not to remain indifferent to the cry for independence. On September 1, 1810, when republican ideas were still only seeds, the city decided to proclaim itself a Republican Town—a pioneering gesture of dignity and freedom that made it an essential part of the emancipation cause in New Granada. This act of courage is remembered as confirmation of the rebellious, visionary, and deeply committed character of its people in their pursuit of liberty.
Known as the “Athens of Boyacá” and the “city of a hundred pianos,” Chiquinquirá distinguished itself not only for its cultural and academic contributions and as the birthplace of great poets, but also for flourishing as a center of music, literature, and education. Its rich heritage is reflected in the majesty of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, declared a national monument, and in the colonial architecture that still bears the marks of the past. Every street, square, and temple narrates episodes of a people who have known how to weave tradition with modernity, welcoming for centuries thousands of visitors drawn by spirituality and the miraculous canvas.
This anniversary also received a special recognition from the World Religious Tourism Network, a program of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, which joined the celebrations in valuing the role of Chiquinquirá as an emblematic destination of faith and spirituality in Latin America. The Network’s General Director, Pilar Valdés Arroyo, expressed her joy and commitment in a message to the community: “Chiquinquirá beats in each of us, and it is a great satisfaction to work alongside the municipality and the government of Boyacá for the development of religious tourism that forms part of the city’s rich history and reaffirms the pride of being from Chiquinquirá.”
Valdés further emphasized that, as a result of the joint work between the World Network, the authorities of Boyacá, and the Municipality of Chiquinquirá, an ambitious action plan focused on religious tourism would soon be announced. This plan will have as its central axis the devotion to the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, considered patroness and a symbol of spiritual unity in Colombia, which has made the city a point of reference for millions of pilgrims. This vision seeks to strengthen tourism infrastructure, encourage research and cultural preservation, and boost the local economy through a sustainable, participatory, and tradition-respectful model.
The articulation of history and faith was also a factor that enhanced Chiquinquirá’s projection into the future. With the support of local, regional, and international institutions, the municipality consolidated itself not only as guardian of an invaluable heritage but also as a meeting place where religion and culture come together in a proposal capable of generating social development and well-being for its people.
For this reason, the celebration of the 215th anniversary of its proclamation as a Republican Town took on an even greater meaning: it was the opportunity to recognize that Chiquinquirá not only guards a glorious past but also beats strongly in the present and projects itself with hope into the future. The citizens and visitors who took part in this celebration raised the flag, attended the commemorative events, and remembered that the pride of belonging to this land is renewed every day through gestures of commitment and love.
Because Chiquinquirá beats in each of us, Monday, September 1 was an unmissable appointment with history, identity, and faith. A date to demonstrate that the republican spirit, Marian devotion, and civic pride are the driving forces of a municipality that continues to enthusiastically write new pages of greatness.
