Celebration of Colombian culture in downtown Reading attracts crowds and promotes unity | State

READING, Pa. — People flocked to downtown Reading Sunday afternoon to celebrate their Colombian roots.

The Colombian Independence Festival was held at Third and Penn streets.

In addition to Colombian food, folks enjoyed live music and programming.

The head of Union Columbiana — which puts on the festival — says it’s about showcasing Colombia’s culture while defying stereotypes and bringing people together.

“We have a lot to show off, a lot of culture, a lot of beauty and not all of us are those stereotypes that we hear out there on TV and all the glorification of all the negative stuff you hear from Colombia. There’s a lot of really good people out here,” said Jobany Bedoya.

Bedoya says their celebration and a similar event in Philadelphia are the only two of their kind in Pennsylvania.