On November 11, 1811, the Supreme Board of Cartagena de Indias, pressured by popular militia forces gathered in the historic neighborhood of Getsemaní under Pedro Romero, signed the Act of Absolute Independence. Unlike earlier regional declarations that still recognized King Ferdinand VII of Spain, Cartagena proclaimed absolute sovereignty, severing all political ties with the Spanish monarchy. For this fierce resistance and enduring the brutal 1815 siege by Spanish General Pablo Morillo, Simón Bolívar officially bestowed upon the city the immortal title 'La Heroica' (The Heroic City). Today, November 11 is celebrated with the famous Fiestas de Independencia, featuring colorful parades, Afro-Caribbean cumbia rhythms, costumes, and the National Beauty Reign.
On November 11, 1811, the Supreme Board of Cartagena de Indias, pressured by popular militia forces gathered in the historic neighborhood of Getsemaní under Pedro Romero, signed the Act of Absolute Independence. Unlike earlier regional declarations that still recognized King Ferdinand VII of Spain, Cartagena proclaimed absolute sovereignty, severing all political ties with the Spanish monarchy. For this fierce resistance and enduring the brutal 1815 siege by Spanish General Pablo Morillo, Simón Bolívar officially bestowed upon the city the immortal title 'La Heroica' (The Heroic City). Today, November 11 is celebrated with the famous Fiestas de Independencia, featuring colorful parades, Afro-Caribbean cumbia rhythms, costumes, and the National Beauty Reign.
