COLOMBIA'S NATIONAL DAY AT EXPO OSAKA 2025: MUSIC, DANCE, AND COLOMBIAN FLAVOR.
- Leslie Benítez
- Jul 29, 2025
- 4 min read
On July 20 and 21, 2025, Colombia dressed up for its National Day celebration at Expo Osaka 2025, one of the most important events in the world. During two days filled with music, color, identity, and dialogue, the Colombian pavilion became a meeting point for cultures, emotions, and traditions.
By: Leslie Benitez, Business Advisor in Japan, CCJCI.
July 20: A Spectacular of Music, Dance, and National Pride
Saturday, July 20, an emblematic date on which Colombia celebrates its independence, marked the culmination of the nation's participation in Expo Osaka 2025. Activities began in the morning with an official ceremony in which the Colombian Ambassador to Japan, Gustavo Makanaky, welcomed attendees, highlighting the importance of Colombia's cultural representation at a global event such as this Universal Exposition.
The opening ceremony was followed by a vibrant performance by the group Colombia en Carnaval, which delighted the audience with a showcase of cumbia and folk music from the Colombian Caribbean, conveying the festive and diverse essence of the country. Next, renowned dancer Beto took the stage with his group of dancers, some of them Japanese, to offer an interactive show in which they taught the audience the basic steps of salsa caleña, one of Colombia's most representative dances. The group's contagious energy encouraged the audience to participate, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
The formal ceremony concluded with a message of thanks from the curator of the Colombian Pavilion, Agustín Vélez, who highlighted Colombia's commitment to promoting its culture, talent, and economic potential on international stages such as the Expo.
Attendees included diplomatic authorities, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, academics, and visitors of various nationalities, giving the event a profoundly intercultural character.
The activities continued at 4:00 p.m. in the "National Day Pavilion," where an expanded version of the artistic performance was held. Once again, the Colombia en Carnaval group presented an additional repertoire that included new traditional songs and dances, accompanied by typical Colombian folk instruments. This celebration was accompanied by a special performance by the Tokyo salsa academy, made up of Professor Beto's Japanese students. They gave an impeccable demonstration of Cali salsa that surprised even the Colombian attendees with their technique and enthusiasm.
Also speaking during this day was Mr. Yasushi Misawa, Deputy Commissioner General of Expo 2025, who praised the dynamic Colombian performance and highlighted the opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties in the commercial, cultural, and diplomatic spheres. In his remarks, he highlighted Colombia's role as a key player in Latin America and its growing importance in global cooperation.
Overall, July 20th was not only a day of patriotic celebration, but also a strategic platform for projecting Colombian identity to thousands of international visitors. Music, dance, hospitality, and talent were the highlights of a day that will remain in the memories of those who attended this tribute to Colombia in the heart of Japan.
July 21: Meeting with the Colombian community in Japan
On Sunday, July 21, a day with a more personal and community-oriented focus was held as part of the Colombian National Day activities at Expo 2025 Osaka. This time, the focus was on Colombians residing in Japan, who were invited to participate in a consular meeting organized by the Colombian Embassy and Consulate in Japan.
The event aimed to hear firsthand the concerns, needs, and proposals of the Colombian community in the Asian country. Students, entrepreneurs, academics, workers, and families who have made Japan their home attended. During the discussion with Ambassador Gustavo Makanaky and Consul Jose Francisco Diaz, key topics were addressed, such as immigration challenges, difficulties in consular procedures, language barriers, access to public and private services, as well as the importance of maintaining an active connection with cultural and national identity.
One of the main outcomes of this event was the commitment of the guests to create an active communication network among Colombians in Japan, especially those working in the academic, business, and cultural fields. This network will seek to facilitate mutual collaboration and generate a more efficient communication channel between the community and the diplomatic corps.
At the end of the meeting, attendees were invited to share an informal space where typical Colombian refreshments were offered. For many, especially those who hadn't visited Colombia in several years, it was a deeply emotional moment that allowed them to reconnect with the flavors and memories of their home country.
Afterward, Colombian Pavilion curator Agustín Vélez offered an exclusive guided tour of the Colombian Pavilion at the Expo, explaining in detail the narrative, design, and objectives of the space. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the exhibition proposal from an institutional perspective, understanding the message Colombia wishes to convey to the world through its presence at this global event.
This day concluded with an atmosphere of gratitude, closeness, and strengthening of the ties between the Colombian State and its community abroad. It was a reminder that, regardless of distance, cultural, emotional, and institutional ties remain alive and are constantly being built.
The celebration of Colombia's National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka represented much more than a commemorative date: it was a powerful manifestation of identity, pride, and international presence. Through music, dance, diplomacy, and community dialogue, Colombia managed to project an authentic image of its cultural and human richness to the world.
July 20th was experienced as a true national holiday in Japan, where joy, rhythm, and Colombian tradition took center stage at an event filled with energy and emotion. July 21st, meanwhile, provided a space for active listening with the Colombian community living in Japan, strengthening ties between the diaspora and state institutions.
Both events demonstrate the country's commitment to its people abroad, as well as its desire to promote a Colombia that is open to the world, inclusive, creative, and with a strong sense of belonging. Expo Osaka 2025 has undoubtedly been a strategic platform for reinforcing this narrative and for continuing to build bridges of cooperation, friendship, and understanding between Colombia and Japan.
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