Colombia marks 215 years of independence, with celebrations led by President Gustavo Petro in Santa Marta on Sunday, July 20.

This year, the president participates in the annual military parade outside Bogota, in honour of Santa Marta’s 500th anniversary and its role in the country’s independence movement.

Troops, first responders, and civilian groups are set to take part, with large crowds expected.

Following the parade, Petro is expected to travel to Bogota to address Congress as part of the official July 20 events.

Colombia’s Independence Day marks the 1810 Bogota uprising, the first push against Spanish rule. Though full independence came in 1819, the revolt sparked the country’s path toward becoming a republic.