The political function of public celebrations during the independence process of Colombia: in the search of legitimacy and loyalty, 1808-1825

The celebrations developed during the wars of independence should be seen not only as spontaneous demonstrations of traditional compliance schedules or holidays but also be understood within the ideological and political context deployed by republicans and royalists after the victories achieved in the battlefield. In that sense, these events were part of the process of political legitimacy after the fight and as a way to help lay the bases of the triumphant political structure. The symbols and the reaffirmation of political loyalties were key strategies in the development of the celebrations surrounding gain adherence to its political projects, and to fulfill these purposes were applied different methods of communication, pressure or manipulation. Therein lies the importance of these events as scenarios for which each side achieved a great political mobilization and to stand firm in the government amid an atmosphere of intense political confrontation and alternation in power.