Jihad Saad – Expand Your Awareness, Transform Your Life

One place that truly touched me in Cartagena’s old city is the Plaza de la Proclamacion, or ‘Proclamation Square’ in English.

What i loved about it is how each night, with the old cathedral in the background, the square comes alive with music, upbeat percussions, energetic dances, colorful dresses and fiery torches.

And the dances became more meaningful to me when i learned the story of this square. Picture this: way back in 1811, brave rebels stormed into the square, surrounded the colonial government building, and demanded equal rights and independence. They forced the city leadership to declare independence from Spain right then and there, and that’s how this square got its name. 

As a result, Cartagena became one of the very first cities in all of Latin America to be free from colonialism.  And it took place in that exact spot where the dances are happening. How inspiring is this?

It was no easy path to get there. Cartagena’s independence came after centuries of struggles, captivity, racism and slavery. And even after declaring independence, they had to fight many battles to keep it. 

It’s an epic story that mirrors much of our shared human history, and speaks to our universal values, no matter where we come from. 

Hearing the music while imagining all this history felt so moving and uplifting to me.

It’s like connecting with this wild energy that moves in all of us too, the spirit of rising up against the odds, the passion to celebrate life despite all. 

Landmark monuments are often conventional, restrained and gray… but not in Barranquilla!

I was struck by the how colorful and vibrant the Barranquilla landmark monument is.

They call it: ‘Ventana Al Mundo’, or Window to the World.. a symbol of the city’s openness to the world.

What inspires me is how confidently this coastal city projects a joyful spirit and embraces celebration of life.

Show your true colorsUnknown to many, this city in Colombia hosts the second largest music carnival in the whole world, second only to Rio De Janeiro. Each year the whole city comes alive with music and dance and colorful exuberant costumes.

Barranquilla also has a vibrant culture and is home to a rich history of indigenous, African, European, and Caribbean roots.

It is also the hometown of the famous Colombian singer Shakira. They made a statue for Shakira there in her honor, i wish i had a chance to visit it.

I only spent few hours in Barranquilla but it made a lasting impression on me.

I believe we all have colorful personalities but oftentimes we hide and tone it down. This city invites us to audaciously express ourselves and show our true colors too.

Cheers to Barranquilla!

#barranquilla #Colombia #truecolors