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Policarpa Salavarrieta, considered a heroine of Colombian independence and a martyr of the country for her work as a spy for the patriot army that led to her execution during the Spanish Reconquest, was born in Guaduas on January 26, 1795. Annually, the inhabitants of This municipality celebrates the anniversary of its birth during the last days of January in what is known as the Pola Festival (Fiestas de La Pola).
During the weekend, the municipality is the scene of all kinds of cultural and sporting events to celebrate the life of its heroine. Volleyball and shuffleboard tournaments, athletic and cycling races, live performances by guest artists, gastronomic fairs with the best of local cuisine and the traditional parade of historical floats and troupes are organized.
The festivities reach their climax on January 26 with the solemn tribute to Policarpa Salavarrieta, organized by the History Center of the Villa de Guaduas, after which a floral offering is carried in a procession to the monument in honor of Policarpa in the Constitution Square.
"La Pola" Festivals not only celebrate history and national pride, but also strengthen the identity and cohesion of the Guaduas community, around its most illustrious citizen.
