Last Friday, Colombia's National Day was celebrated at the Sociedad Democracia in Lanzarote. On the occasion of the event, the spokesperson for the association of Colombians on the island, Carlos Alférez, in an interview granted to Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero, confessed to being "very happy and pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate that day in this beautiful land like Lanzarote".
According to the latest census, "about 10,000 Colombians live on the island", reported the spokesperson. Although the data is "not reliable", since "many people are arriving who are not included in the census yet", he acknowledges.
He makes it clear that the integration of the group into Lanzarote society is "total": "We comment on it and it is a reality, wherever I go I find Colombian people in hospitals, shops, etc.". Therefore, "we are completely integrated, happy and content, and also grateful to this beautiful land that has received us", he explains.
To the point that "when the children are at home they speak with a Colombian accent but with their friends with a Canarian accent", he acknowledges in relation to the integration they have found on the island. Furthermore, "there are already second-generation Colombians, born here on the island, who are already professionals and practice their careers", he comments in relation to the opportunities that have been offered to them. It must be remembered that "foreigners raised here have the luck and the possibility of accessing the same opportunities as the natives here", he assures.
"Lanzarote is a super special land, that's how we experience it and how they transmit it to us. All because of the bonds of brotherhood that unite us"
"It is a super special land, that's how we experience it and how they transmit it to us", he adds. All driven by "the bonds of brotherhood that unite us", says Carlos Alférez.
He highlights that "there are cases of discrimination but thanks to the work we do from the association, that type of uncomfortable situations are gradually being left behind". Therefore, they are dedicated to continuing to promote integration: "we work for
The event was held from six in the afternoon until one in the morning last Friday. An event that brought together "fun, gastronomy, dances, culture, artists, etc.", and whose main objective is "to take the opportunity to promote culture" and "the union and brotherhood of peoples", he emphasizes.
