This Friday, February 27, the city of Colón celebrates its 174th anniversary of its founding, with several activities aimed at highlighting the history and culture of its people. The city, which began on Manzanillo Island in 1852, has become over the years a strategic point for national and international trade. One of the most eye-catching events will be “Sabores de Colón”, focused on highlighting the gastronomy and cultural legacy of the province. The epicenter will be the Colón Art and Culture Center, where visitors can get up close with the local culinary wealth. This Saturday there will be parades where participants will showcase the Congo culture, a source of pride for the people of Colón, which has left its mark on various areas of the city's human development. Additionally, at 11:00 a.m., the Solemn Session of the Municipal Council will be held, highlighting Colón's contribution to the country's progress. Matilde Ruiz, 68 years old and from Costa Arriba de Colón, considers it urgent that administrations invest in the city. “Colón has fallen into ruins over the years, we need the streets, buildings, and opportunities for the people to be improved,” she expressed. Zoila Muñoz, a 27-year-old university student, emphasized that investment must also go into human capital, with universities focused on in-demand careers such as service, technology, and port-related fields. “We look with favor on the new hospital and the future construction of the Roberto Mariano Bula stadium, these are things that we, the people of Colón, deserve,” she said. Despite the celebrations, a tour of the city shows deteriorated buildings, reminding the people of Colón that the city needs urgent attention so as not to lose its history or its identity.
