The national and cultural symbols that represent Carmen de Bolívar in the various official events in which she participates, as well as in the socio-cultural environment of the municipality and that are part of the collective identity that the Carmeners share are:
Official symbols of Carmen de Bolívar:
Carmen de Bolívar officially has 3 national symbols that represent her in local, national and international events, and these are:
Flag of Carmen de Bolívar “Cuadrilonga”:
This is the flag called “quadrilonga”, because it has three concentric quadrilaterals of red, yellow and green colors from the outside to the inside. The green quadrilateral has a white eight-pointed star in its center. This flag is also symbol of Cartagena de Indias, Barranquilla, Malambo and Tenerife (Magdalena).
Coat of arms of Carmen de Bolívar:
The Coat of Arms was granted by the Sovereign State of Cartagena de Indias to which it granted the title of Villa and Capital of the Montaña de María, on the occasion of the famous battle of Mancomoján. In reward for the participation of the Carmelite patriots (Gentilicio del Carmen de Bolívar) in the defense of the independentista Cartagena against the royalist Santa Marta on November 12, 1812.
(See here the National and Cultural Symbols of Arjona – Bolivar)
Hymn of Carmen de Bolívar:
Many think that the anthem of this municipality is Lucho Bermudez's song of the same name, but the music and lyrics of the Anthem were created by the writer and poet Genaro Martínez.
Lyrics of the anthem of Carmen de Bolívar
CHORUS
Glory, glory to this splendid day
Of immortal and glorious memory,
Glory to the people of El Carmen, how proud,
He returned victorious from the combat.
Yo
The efforts of athletes who made
our parents there in Cartagena
to free themselves from their slave moorings,
to break his heavy chains.
Already an aspirant everywhere they looked
And the state was marching towards its ruin
but the children of El Carmen did
a thousand pieces the heavy yoke.
II
The royalists there in Santa Marta
new triumphs for the King reached
and his forces undefeated again
They attacked Mompox the indomitable
but while there they repelled
with guadua cannons to the Iberian
our Carmen rose like a hero
with unparalleled courage and fierce ardor
III
The sheets groaned again
under the fierce power of Spain,
because a certain haughty Rebustillo
He abused his children viciously
the people had already lost hope
to triumph over the oppressive host
More Campomanes arrived in El Carmen
and shine of the free the dawn.
IV
Already in the town of Ovejas there were
the legions of the fierce Ferdinand
arrogant, haughty, furious
to defeat the long-awaited patriot
our brave host knowing it
He immediately left to meet him.
to succeed or die desired
of courage and full strength.
V
Our hosts finally met
With the host of Sheep leaving
and a horrible combat was waged
in which those fled defeated.
Persecuted everywhere by our own
not a tyrant was left on our soil
and the hymns of triumph rose
from this now free land to heaven.
Cultural symbols of Carmen de Bolívar:
Gastronomic elements, iconic characters and unique traditions are part of the cultural symbols that make up the socio-cultural identity of Carmen de Bolívar; These symbols are:
Chepacorinas Cookies: Chepacorinas are cookies made from flour, cheese and milk; Originally from Carmen de Bolívar, according to tradition these were created by Josefa Corina Ríos Torres, hence the name of the cookies.
The carmero avocado: It is an original variety of avocado from El Carmen de Bolívar, it is characterized by its green to dark skin when it has fully ripened, it is smooth, the peel is easily separated from the flesh, it has a creamy pulp and no fibers. Its harvest is usually between the months of March and July.
(Learn here the National and cultural symbols of Magangué – Bolívar)
Lucho Bermúdez: Luis Eduardo Bermúdez Acosta, better known as “Lucho Bermúdez”, is the most representative illustrious character of Carmen de Bolívar. He is considered one of the most important singers and composers of popular music of the 20th century in Colombia.
The Candle Balls (Fire): They are a tradition that has been carried out for more than 100 years in the municipality and these usually occur during the patron saint festivities of the Virgin of Carmen, and consist of kicking a ball of cloth, fique and wire bathed in gasoline from one side to the other.
