Cali Celebrates Independence Day with Peaceful Parade and Public Gatherings

Cali celebrated Colombia's 216th Independence Day with a large-scale military parade and public gatherings on July 20. Hundreds of families attended the traditional parade along Avenida Sexta, which featured over 1,200 members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Police. The event, which began at the Jairo Varela Plazoleta and ended at the Chipichape bridge, proceeded peacefully.

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the event as a commemorative act of high patriotic value.

Mayor Alejandro Eder and Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro were present, emphasizing the commitment of security forces to territorial safety. Eder highlighted the need for inter-governmental cooperation to combat crime and promote socioeconomic development. Toro commended the daily work of the military and police in the department and reported that parallel demonstrations in the city's east side and in municipalities like Palmira, Buenaventura, and Bugalagrande were also peaceful.

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the importance of these dates to strengthen the sense of national belonging.

Citizens expressed support for the participating forces with banners, applause, and flags. A university student described the event as a patriotic commemoration, while a social worker noted its importance in strengthening national identity. Family members of police officers also shared their pride in the uniformed personnel's service to the country. Meanwhile, a separate event honoring President Gustavo Petro took place in Puerto Resistencia.

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their pride in the work that uniformed personnel perform in service to the country.