Cairns celebrates Colombian, Peruvian independence

Celebrating South American food, music and culture, Cairns will host its first combined Colombian and Peruvian Independence Day event, and you’re invited. How to get involved.

Reiko Edwards, Carolina Contreras, Andrew Konszky, Riah Zea and Fabiola Quintero will entertain the crowds at the Independence Day party hosted by Latin Roots at the Cairns German Club on July 26, celebrating the national days of Columbia and Peru. Picture: Brendan Radke

From Latin sounds to delicious treats, South American food, music and culture will be on display at Colombian and Peruvian Independence Day celebrations at the Cairns German Club on Saturday, July 26.

Event organiser Carolina Contreras said the idea was to bring people together to celebrate Latin American traditions and have fun.

“In all South America, the celebrations are similar because everyone celebrates their own traditions … and we always did a Colombian one, but some Peruvian groups in Cairns asked me if we could something for Peru also,” Ms Contreras said.

“Because it’s really rich country in history, they have the Incas, Machu Picchu, I thought it would be so good to include them, and I think it’s an amazing idea to unite the two cultures, and they have similar national days.”

Set to entertain the crowds at the Independence Day party hosted by Latin Roots at the Cairns German Club on Saturday, July 26, are Fabiola Quintero, Reiko Edwards, Carolina Contreras, Andrew Konszky and Riah Zea. Picture: Brendan Radke

Colombia and Peru both achieved independence from Spain in the early 19th century, with Colombia’s national day on July 20, while Peru celebrates on July 28.

“Nowadays, it’s like a national day, because the independence from Spain was really long ago, but we still celebrate it as a national day, where we do something traditional, like parties, music and dances,” she said.

Festivities will include raffles and prizes, along with traditional Colombian and Peruvian foods such as empanadas and ceviche, as well as music and dancing.

“They both have such good food, music, dancing, and it’s also another way to unite Latin people, plus invite other cultures to see what is going on,” she said.

“They are going to learn about these two amazing cultures, but the most important thing is they are going to have fun because that is the blood of Latin people to have fun, to have parties and to enjoy.”

Doors will open at 6pm at the Cairns German Club.

Tickets will be available at the door, or online via the Latin Roots Facebook page.

Originally published as Cairns celebrates Colombian, Peruvian independence