North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco celebrated Colombia’s independence day on July 19 by hosting an event at town hall.
The ceremony took place one day before the 213th anniversary of Colombia’s Independence Day on July 20, 1810.
Numerous guests and performers participated in the event, which began with Michelle Galves and Nurys Capella singing the national anthems of the U.S. and Colombia respectively. Sacco and the township commissioners presented certificates of appreciation to Yazmin Ramirez, Javier Emilio Romero, and Mario Torres for their work with the Colombian community. Maria Del Pilar Cruz from the Colombian embassy also spoke during the celebration, followed by dancers from the Organization Carnaval de Barranquilla de New Jersey, who gave a spirited and colorful performance.
The event concluded with the raising of the Colombian flag over Town Hall. There were a number of dignitaries in attendance, including Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Allen Pascual, and Anthony Vainieri, Township Administrator Janet Castro, Police Chief Peter Fasilis, County Commissioner Robert Baselice, Assemblyman Pedro Mejia, and former Commissioner Julio Marenco.