Sogamoso celebrates 216 years as a Villa Republicana

Sogamoso is celebrating 216 years since it was designated a ‘Villa Republicana’ by the Junta Suprema del Reyno on September 6, 1810. This historical milestone, recognized locally as ‘Día de la Sogamoseñidad’, honors the city’s support for the independence movement through the provision of troops, funds, and resources.

Historically, the city’s significance predates the republic; it was once Suamox, a major religious center for the Muisca people and home to the Sugamuxi authority. Over centuries, the region evolved from an ancestral ‘City of the Sun’ into a vital economic hub. The development of the steel industry, particularly through Acerías Paz del Río, and the mining of coal, iron, and limestone, earned the area the nickname ‘Ciudad del Acero’ (City of Steel).

Today’s commemorations include cultural festivities featuring over 570 artists performing traditional dances such as joropo and torbellino.