LOWELL – The colors of the Colombian flag, yellow, blue, and red, once again waved proudly outside Lowell City Hall during the city’s annual Colombian Flag Raising Ceremony, a heartfelt celebration of Colombia’s Independence Day that brought together elected officials, community leaders, families, and residents to honor Colombian culture, history, and the invaluable contributions of the Colombian community to the city.

This year’s ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for this longstanding tradition, as it was organized for the first time under the leadership of Katherine Patiño, who assumed leadership of the Lowell Colombian Committee following the retirement of Beatriz Sierra.

Sierra, recognized for her tireless dedication to the event over many years, was unable to attend the ceremony, but her legacy was remembered with gratitude and respect for helping transform the flag raising into one of Lowell’s most meaningful multicultural celebrations.

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Eric Gitschier, members of the Lowell City Council, state and federal representatives, and dozens of Colombian families dressed in traditional attire and proudly carrying Colombian flags, filling the City Hall plaza with color and celebration.

In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Gitschier highlighted the important role the Colombian community has played in Lowell’s growth and development.

“Today we recognize the many ways Colombians have strengthened our neighborhoods, enriched our culture, supported our local businesses, and helped make Lowell a more vibrant and welcoming city,” the Mayor said.

He added that the flag raising represents far more than the commemoration of Colombia’s independence.

“We also celebrate the values of family, hard work, resilience, and community that unite us all,” Gitschier continued. “May this event continue to strengthen the friendship between our communities and remind us that our diversity is one of Lowell’s greatest strengths.”

As president of the organization, Katherine Patiño led a diverse program. During her remarks, she explained that the Lowell Colombian Committee’s mission extends far beyond organizing the annual civic ceremony.

“The Colombian Committee is here not only to organize this civic celebration, remember our roots, and honor them, but also to serve as a bridge so that everyone who arrives here feels welcomed,” said Patiño.

Patiño emphasized that the committee works throughout the year by offering workshops and resources on housing, education, banking services, and other important topics to support Colombian families and other immigrant communities.

“Our goal is to be a bridge that provides trusted resources,” she added. “Every month we hold workshops so that any Colombian who needs support can count on us. Just as this city welcomed us, we want to do the same for others and continue doing so for generations to come.”

Patiño also publicly recognized the members of the Lowell Colombian Committee, thanking them for their commitment and dedication in making both the celebration and the organization’s year-round community activities possible.

Those honored included David Correa, María Elena Pino, Laura Rodríguez, Carolina López, Diana Osorio, Gustavo Rodríguez, and Álvaro Calderón, who received warm applause for their dedication and spirit of service.

One of the ceremony’s most meaningful moments was the recognition of Vladimir Saldaña, a prominent Dominican community leader, for his unwavering commitment to collaboration and to strengthening the bonds among Lowell’s diverse Latino communities.

“Community service knows no borders,” Patiño said as she presented the award, noting that Saldaña’s leadership has also greatly benefited the Colombian community.

Saldaña served for many years as president of the Colombian Flag Raising Ceremony. He is also the founder and president of Fortaleza Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting the development and well-being of Latino and Hispanic students in Lowell Public Schools.

María Viejar was also honored for her longstanding commitment to supporting generations of immigrant families by mentoring young people and encouraging them to believe in their abilities and pursue their goals through education.

Throughout her years of service to the immigrant community, Viejar has worked closely with students and families, providing guidance, encouragement, and educational support. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on several generations of Lowell residents.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Rita Mercier, representing Mayor Gitschier and the Lowell City Council, presented the Official Proclamation of Colombian Independence Day, officially declaring July 20, 2026, as Colombian Independence Day in the City of Lowell.

During her remarks, she praised the enthusiasm and spirit of the Colombian community.

“You know how to turn any day into a true celebration,” Mercier said. “Thank you for sharing your culture, your traditions, your cuisine, and most importantly, for bringing your children. They will be the ones who keep this beautiful legacy alive for future generations.” 

The proclamation was presented to David Correa in recognition of his leadership and more than five years of service to the community as a loan officer, helping countless families achieve the dream of homeownership. He was also recognized for his work as a soccer coach, mentoring and inspiring children and young people both on and off the field.

The office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan also presented a special recognition to Iván Mejía, founder of the Green Lions Soccer Academy, for his outstanding commitment to youth development, sports, and community service.

Mejía’s work has positively impacted hundreds of children and young people by promoting teamwork, discipline, respect, and perseverance, while also supporting numerous cultural and community events in Lowell and neighboring communities.

Following the official ceremony, the celebration continued with traditional folkloric dance performances, live music, raffles, and a showcase of Colombia’s renowned cuisine, transforming the City Hall plaza into a vibrant gathering place where national pride and cultural diversity took center stage.

The ceremony not only commemorated Colombia’s independence but also reaffirmed the commitment of a community that continues to grow while preserving its traditions and contributing to Lowell’s development.

Under the leadership of Katherine Patiño and the dedication of the Lowell Colombian Committee, this celebration marks the beginning of a new chapter focused on strengthening community engagement, promoting service, and celebrating Colombian heritage, demonstrating once again that diversity remains one of Lowell’s greatest strengths.

(This article was originally published in Spanish by Lowell Corazon Latino)