HISTORY
Colombia en Mississauga Festival was born in 2008, when Isabel Cuéllar, a Colombian immigrant and former lawyer who arrived in Canada in 2004, realized that Mississauga still lacked an event where Colombians could share their customs and traditions with other cultures. That same year, she organized the first event, “Compartir Navideño” (Christmas Sharing), bringing together the Colombian and Latin American community to enjoy the cherished traditions of novenas and Christmas carols that fill Colombian homes every December.
In July 2009, she organized the first “Colombia Independence Day Celebration” with a festival called “Colombia en Mississauga Festival”, showcasing Colombian culture through art, film, music, folklore, traditional cuisine, and local artistic talent. This cultural gathering, deeply rooted in Colombian customs and heritage, brought together many Colombians who had left their homeland and helped children born in Canada connect with their parents’ rich cultural legacy.
From 2009 to 2014, on the last weekend of July, Colombia in Mississauga filled the city with colour, music, and pride, welcoming hundreds of visitors from across Ontario and the United States to celebrate Colombian Independence Day together.
In 2015, responding to the call of the wider Latin American community, the festival opened its doors to communities from other Latin American countries, giving rise to the Mississauga Latin Festival, a vibrant celebration that now represents all 19 Latin American countries and has become one of Canada’s most important Latin festivals, with over 50,000 attendees each year.
In 2026, after the success of the Colombian Independence celebration in 2025 at the celebration square, and inspired by the heartfelt request of the Colombian community to bring back the “Colombia en Mississauga” festival, Isabel Cuéllar, founder of both festivals, proudly brings back the COLOMBIA IN MISSISSAUGA FESTIVAL to once again showcase the richness, warmth, and splendour of Colombian culture.
MISSION
The Colombia en Mississauga Festival mission is to lead with passion, excellence, and respect by creating and delivering vibrant Colombian cultural events in Canada that celebrate our heritage, showcase Colombian talent, and promote a positive image of Colombia in Canada.
VISION
The Colombia en Mississauga Festival vision is to become a leading, dynamic cultural organization in Canada, recognized for creating, producing, and sharing high‑quality Colombian cultural experiences of all kinds.
What Drive Us
At Colombia en Mississauga Festival, our work is guided by strong values and a clear purpose. We are committed to celebrating and promoting Colombian culture in Canada, supporting artistic talent, strengthening community connections, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for present and future generations. Our principles reflect the spirit of respect, solidarity, equity, and social responsibility that inspires everything we do.
OBJETIVES
- Promote the image and traditions of Colombia in Canada.
- Share and celebrate Colombian culture across all artistic and cultural fields.
- Support and promote Colombian artists and cultural talent.
- Teach Colombian culture to children of Colombian descent born in Canada.
- Build bridges and foster integration between Canadian and Colombian communities.
- Support nonprofit organizations by helping to share and promote their programs.
PRINCIPLES
- Respect and trust
- Solidarity
- Commitment to well‑being
- Business ethics
- Justice and equity
- Honesty and legality
- Social development
Discover the Spirit of
Colombia
Colombia is a vibrant and diverse country located in the northwest of South America, known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. From the lush coffee-growing mountains of the Andes to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean and the vast biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and cultural traditions. Its music, cuisine, festivals, and colorful towns reflect a unique mix of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Today, Colombia continues to grow as a dynamic nation that celebrates its traditions while embracing innovation, creativity, and community both at home and abroad. 🇨🇴
Nature
Colombia’s landscapes range from tropical rainforests and majestic mountains to crystal rivers and stunning Caribbean beaches.
Biodiversity
As one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, Colombia is home to thousands of unique plant and animal species.
Culture
Colombia’s culture blends Indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions expressed through music, dance, art, and festivals.
Tourims
Visitors from around the world come to experience Colombia’s colorful towns, rich traditions, and unforgettable landscapes.
