World Days are dates designated by international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) or the World Health Organization (WHO), to raise awareness about specific issues of global relevance. These dates not only seek to promote reflection, but also to inspire concrete actions to face the challenges that affect humanity. In Colombia, the celebration of these days has taken on a special character, adapting to the cultural and social particularities of the country.
International Women's Day (March 8)
International Women's Day is one of the most significant dates in Colombia, where gender equality issues and women's rights have been highly relevant topics. Every year, on March 8, demonstrations and events are held throughout the country to claim women's rights and remember the fight against gender violence, discrimination and inequality.
In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, mass marches are organized where women, along with male allies, walk the streets with banners and chants. These marches are usually accompanied by cultural activities such as concerts, art exhibitions, and educational talks that address topics related to feminism, gender equality, and the history of women's struggle in Colombia.
In addition, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) hold workshops and conferences to raise awareness among the population about the importance of women's rights. On social media, there is an increase in the dissemination of messages that highlight the need to continue working for a more just and equitable society for all.
Earth Day (April 22)
Colombia, being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, celebrates Earth Day with a focus on the conservation of its rich natural diversity. On April 22, various environmental organizations, together with educational institutions, organize activities that seek to raise awareness among the population about the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
In cities like Leticia, in the Colombian Amazon, events are held that highlight the importance of the rainforest and its biodiversity. There are reforestation days, river clean-ups and campaigns to reduce the use of single-use plastics. In Bogotá, Medellín and other large cities, ecological fairs are organized to promote sustainable products and workshops are held on recycling, composting and urban agriculture.
Earth Day is also an opportunity for indigenous communities in Colombia to share their ancestral knowledge about nature and sustainability. Through cultural events, the spiritual and respectful relationship that these communities have with the earth is highlighted, offering an alternative perspective on environmental conservation.
International Workers' Day (May 1)
International Workers' Day, known in Colombia as Labor Day, is a date on which workers' struggles are commemorated and labor rights are claimed. In Colombia, May 1 is a national holiday, and the country's main cities see parades of unions and workers' organizations that march to demand better working conditions, fair wages and respect for employees' rights.
In Bogotá, the capital of the country, Plaza de Bolívar is usually the meeting point for thousands of workers who participate in a large march organized by the main labor unions of the country. During this day, speeches are heard that address issues such as unemployment, labor informality and the need for labor reforms that benefit the working class.
Labor Day in Colombia is also a time to remember union leaders who have been victims of violence in the country. Human rights organizations take advantage of the date to demand justice and protection for social and union leaders who continue to fight for workers' rights in risky contexts.
World Environment Day (June 5)
World Environment Day is another date that takes on great relevance in Colombia, given the concern about the loss of biodiversity and the environmental problems that the country faces. Every June 5, events are organized that promote the conservation of natural resources and the fight against climate change.
In the Tayrona National Natural Park, for example, awareness-raising and environmental education activities are carried out for tourists and local communities. These events include ecological walks, workshops on the park's fauna and flora, and campaigns to reduce human impact on protected areas.
In urban areas, mayors in cities such as Bogotá and Medellín launch campaigns to promote the use of bicycles, public transport and the reduction of energy consumption. These campaigns are often accompanied by community activities such as planting trees in parks and cleaning public spaces.
World Environment Day is also an opportunity for Colombian companies and corporations to showcase their sustainability efforts. Many companies launch corporate social responsibility campaigns, highlighting their initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation.
International Day of Peace (September 21)
The International Day of Peace has a special meaning in Colombia, a country that has experienced decades of armed conflict and has worked hard to achieve peace. Every September 21, events are organized throughout the country to promote peace, reconciliation and understanding between communities.
In areas that have been affected by the conflict, such as the department of Cauca, symbolic events are held where ex-combatants, victims and community members meet to share stories and participate in reconciliation ceremonies. These activities seek to build a stronger social fabric and promote peaceful coexistence.
In Bogotá, peace marches are held, culminating in Plaza de Bolívar, where concerts and cultural events are held advocating non-violence and respect for human rights. Civil society organizations also take advantage of the date to launch awareness campaigns on the importance of the peace process in Colombia and the need to support the implementation of the peace agreements.
World Food Day (October 16)
World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, is a day to reflect on the problems of food security and malnutrition, issues of great relevance in Colombia. Various organizations, together with the government, organize events to raise awareness about the importance of healthy and sustainable food.
In rural areas of the country, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood, farmers' fairs are held to promote local products and sustainable agriculture. These fairs are an opportunity for farmers to sell their products directly to consumers, promoting fair trade and reducing intermediation.
In cities, World Food Day is celebrated with educational activities in schools and universities, where topics such as food security, nutrition and food waste are discussed. Campaigns are also organized to promote healthy eating habits and combat obesity, a growing problem in the country.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November)
November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, is a date of great importance in Colombia, where gender violence continues to be a serious problem. On this day, various activities are carried out to raise awareness about the need to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls.
In Bogotá and other cities in the country, night marches are organized where women dress in purple, the color that symbolizes the fight against gender violence, and walk the streets in silence or singing songs that denounce sexist violence. These marches usually end in public squares where performances, poetry readings and testimonies from survivors of violence take place.
Feminist and human rights organizations take advantage of the date to launch awareness-raising campaigns in the media and on social networks. These campaigns usually include messages that encourage people to report violence, offer information on support services available to victims, and advocate for more effective public policies for the prevention and eradication of gender violence.
World AIDS Day (December 1)
World AIDS Day is celebrated every December 1st and is a key date to reflect on the progress and challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Colombia. On this day, awareness campaigns are carried out that seek to inform the population about prevention, treatment and non-discrimination towards people living with HIV.
In Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, free HIV testing sessions are held, accompanied by educational talks on the importance of prevention and the use of protection methods. Organizations working in the field of sexual and reproductive health launch campaigns in the media and on social networks to demystify HIV/AIDS and promote greater understanding of the disease.
In addition, commemorative events are held in memory of people who have died from AIDS. These events often include lighting monuments in red, the symbol of the fight against HIV/AIDS, and holding vigils and concerts to raise awareness among the population about the importance of continuing to fight the epidemic.
International Human Rights Day (December 10)
International Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10, is a date on which Colombia reflects on the progress and challenges in terms of human rights. In a country with a history marked by conflicts and human rights violations, this date is an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to justice, peace and human dignity.
In cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Barranquilla, public events are organized where human rights defenders, victims of human rights violations and representatives of international organizations meet to discuss the challenges facing the country in this area. These events usually include conferences, photo exhibitions and documentary screenings that address issues such as violence, impunity and the need to provide reparations to victims.
International Human Rights Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the work of human rights defenders in Colombia, many of whom work in high-risk contexts. Human rights organizations launch campaigns to demand greater protection for these defenders and to denounce the threats and attacks they face in their work.
World Days are an opportunity to reflect and act on issues of global importance, and in Colombia, these dates have been adopted with a particular focus that reflects the social, cultural and environmental realities of the country.