Madrid (Colombia)
Municipality in Cundinamarca, Colombia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Madrid (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈðɾið]), is one of the 116 municipalities comprising the department of Cundinamarca in Colombia and occupies a significant position within the Western Savanna Province. This municipality, with a population estimated at 200,000 inhabitants as of 2024,[2] stands as one of the most densely populated entities in the region. Spanning an area of 120.5 square kilometers and situated at an altitude of 2,554 AMSL at its municipal center, Madrid is strategically located 21 kilometers from Bogotá.[3] This proximity facilitates its functional and spatial integration into the Metropolitan Area of the Colombian capital, underscoring its importance in regional urban dynamics.
Madrid | |
|---|---|
 Church San Francisco de Paula | |
.svg) Flag  Seal | |
| Motto: Unity - Progress - Development | |
| Anthem: Anthem of Madrid | |
 Location of the municipality and town of Madrid in the Cundinamarca Department of Colombia | |
  Madrid Location in Colombia | |
| Coordinates: 4°44′04″N 74°16′06″W | |
| Country |  Colombia |
| Department |  Cundinamarca |
| Province | Western Savanna Province |
| Founded | November 20, 1559 |
| As a municipal district | 1834 |
| Founded by | Alonso Díaz |
| Named for | Pedro Fernández Madrid |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Carlos Alberto Chávez Moya (2024-2027) |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 120.5 km2 (46.52 sq mi) |
| Population (2024)[1] | |
| • Municipality | 200,000 |
| • Density | 1,700/km2 (4,300/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 132.214 |
| Demonym(s) | Madrilenian, madrileño, -ña |
| Time zone | UTC-5 |
| Area code | 60+1 |
| Website | www.madrid-cundinamarca.gov.co/ |
The municipality, originally established in 1559 by Alonso Díaz under the appellation of La Serrezuela, assumed its present designation, Madrid, in 1875. In contemporary discourse, Madrid is distinguished by its significant residential expansion and cultural heterogeneity, rendering it a quintessential commuter town within the metropolitan framework of Bogotá. This phenomenon of urban proliferation and socio-spatial transformation elucidates the intricate interplay between urbanization processes and demographic mobility, contextualized within the broader ambit of the Colombian capital's metropolitan dynamics.
Madrid has served as a pivotal arena for the activities and contributions of several distinguished figures in the annals of national history. Among these luminaries, Jorge Miguel Lozano, Marquis of San Jorge, stands out for his multifaceted influence across various domains. Equally significant are Simón Bolívar, the eminent Liberator, and Antonio Nariño, both of whom are heralded as essential architects of the independence movement. José María Vergara y Vergara, a preeminent literary critic of his era, and Rufino José Cuervo, a distinguished philologist whose scholarship profoundly impacted the study of the Spanish language, further exemplify the city's rich intellectual heritage. Additionally, Pedro Fernández Madrid, a notable politician and intellectual, made significant contributions during his time. In the contemporary era, figures such as Rafael Reyes, instrumental in the modernization of the nation, and Alfonso López Pumarejo, a reformist president of considerable influence, have also indelibly shaped the historical landscape of this municipality.
Within the municipality, two distinguished mountain formations command attention. To the southeast, the imposing Cerro Tibaytatá, situated adjacent to the esteemed Hacienda Casablanca, ascends to elevations between 2,550 and 2,750 AMSL. This mountain is not only a prominent geographic landmark but also a site of considerable historical significance in the region. Conversely, to the north, the Valle del Abra area emerges as a crucial ecological reserve, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and substantial biodiversity. This natural sanctuary supports a diverse array of avian species, insects, and plant life. In recent years, the area has embraced ecotourism initiatives, featuring accommodations such as inns and hotels tailored to visitors. Both mountain formations have thus evolved into popular venues for outdoor recreational pursuits, including hiking and mountain biking.
Madrid boasts a distinguished trajectory in the annals of Colombian aviation, serving as the headquarters for both the Comando Aéreo de Mantenimiento and the Escuela de Suboficiales of the Colombian Air Force. The enduring legacies of prominent figures such as Justino Mariño and Andrés M. Díaz have profoundly impacted the community. Additionally, the historic visit of Charles Lindbergh has left an indelible imprint on the local identity, further underscoring Madrid's pivotal role in the national aeronautical landscape. This confluence of historical and contemporary aeronautical significance underscores Madrid's integral position within Colombia's aviation heritage.
The denomination Madrid, conferred in honor and commemoration of Pedro Fernández Madrid, was instituted to acknowledge this eminent individual, born in Havana, Cuba, who spent his final years in the municipality formerly known as La Serrezuela. Subsequent to his demise on February 7, 1875, the local populace petitioned the Departmental Assembly of Cundinamarca for the municipality's renaming. This petition was sanctioned by Law 14 on November 17, 1875, thereby enshrining Fernández Madrid's legacy within the toponymy of the region.
The appellation Serrezuela was reinstated in 1945, only to be supplanted by Madrid once more in 1946. Nevertheless, in 1973, the Departmental Assembly reestablished the original name, in compliance with Law 5 of 1920, which mandates the assignment of indigenous, ancient, or historical names to towns. The extant nomenclature, Madrid, was formally instituted by decree No. 14 on November 16, 1976. As elucidated by historian Roberto Velandia, the designation Madrid was adopted serendipitously, spurred by the political and social affinity evoked by this figure.[4]
The toponym Madrid finds its earliest documentation during the Andalusian period as Maǧrīţ, which subsequently evolved into Magerit in Old Spanish. The etymology of this designation has been the focal point of extensive scholarly discourse. The prevailing hypothesis, endorsed by the Arabist Jaime Oliver Asín, postulates that the name originates from the Andalusi Romance term Matrice, signifying mother stream or matrix.
For a protracted period, these dual toponyms coexisted, utilized respectively by the Muslim and Christian communities residing on the hills of Almudena and Vistillas in Madrid, Spain, demarcated by an ancient stream currently corresponding to Segovia Street. The symbiotic contributions of both communities were instrumental in the genesis and perpetuation of these names. This etymological and historical framework has been further elaborated and nuanced by the comprehensive studies of Joan Coromines and Federico Corriente Córdoba, whose rigorous analyses have imparted greater depth to the understanding of the name Madrid.
The name of the municipality of Madrid in Cundinamarca offers an intriguing etymological coincidence that fortuitously links its toponymy with that of the Spanish capital. Iberian Madrid derives its name from the ancient Arroyo de San Pedro, which flowed through Segovia Street, through an etymological process involving Andalusian and Mozarabic roots. In contrast, Andean Madrid, although its name honors Pedro Fernández Madrid, is traversed by the Subachoque River, adding an additional dimension to its etymology. This similarity not only suggests a geographical and cultural parallel between the Spanish stream and the Cundinamarcan river but also enriches the analysis of the hydronymic influence in the Spanish case and the oronymic influence in the Colombian case in the naming of places. This latter aspect is particularly relevant considering that the colonial name of the Colombian municipality was La Serrezuela, a term denoting a small mountain range, specifically the Tibaytatá hill.
The demonym for the inhabitants of the municipality is madrileño and madrileña (madrilenian in english).
Prehistoric and pre-Columbian period
In March 2003, during civil construction activities at Carrera 5 #2-41 in the municipality of Madrid—now the site of the Camino Real residential complex—an archaeological site of significant interest was uncovered. Preliminary analysis of the site revealed it to be a distinctive ritual-funeral and astronomical observation context from Colombia's Herrera archaeological period, as evidenced by the unique ceramics discovered.[5]
The site exhibits notable parallels with the Aguazuque archaeological site in the municipality of Soacha, particularly in the burial practices observed. These include the lateral decubitus position of the skeletons with flexed limbs, physical traits such as dolichocephaly, and certain dental wear patterns. The funerary assemblage, comprising ceramics from the Herrera and Magdalena River Valley regions, lithic materials, and faunal remains, suggests that the initial occupation dates to the 1st millennium B.C.
Subsequent to this initial phase, the site shows evidence of a second occupation associated with Herrera ceramics, indicative of a society where agriculture became increasingly central and social complexity was heightened. This period, roughly dating to the 1st millennium A.D., is characterized by brachycephalic populations and is marked by the establishment of a ritual and astronomical complex. This complex featured a channel extending over 30 meters in a south-north orientation, distinguished by its dual architectural arrangement: circular forms on the eastern side and quadrangular structures on the western side.
The river traversing the locality has historically been known by various names. In the Muisca language, it was designated as Chacha or Chinga, translating to twice male. Subsequently, it was named Serrezuela before being referred to as Subachoque. At a location known as Balsillas, this river converges with the Bojacá, forming the lagoon of La Herrera. From this point, it continues its journey until it merges with the Bogotá River, specifically at the Canoas site in the municipality of Soacha.[5]
Since its inception, the lagoon of La Herrera has been a crucial source of diverse flora and fauna, serving the needs of both the hunter-gatherers and early agro-potters of the region. The rich array of resources—ranging from birds, guinea pigs, and fish to small mammals and crustaceans—provided by the lagoon and the Subachoque and Bogotá rivers, along with the availability of wild animals such as deer from the surrounding hills, indicates that for millennia, the local inhabitants effectively relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing.
Archaeological soil analyses and environmental assessments conducted in the Bogotá savanna reveal that the excavation site in the municipality of Madrid was situated within a lacustrine environment. This was characterized by the presence of the lagoon of La Herrera and the extensive wetlands formed by the confluence of the Subachoque River. Historically, the waters of the Subachoque River flowed into the lagoon, which covered a substantial portion of the western sector of the high plateau.
The extensive presence of water bodies in the region is substantiated by pedological studies, which reveal that large reservoirs have been a feature of the landscape since ancient times. Despite the prevalence of these bodies of water, human activity along their peripheries continued to thrive. Soil profiles provide evidence of early human settlement on the shores of the lagoon, where inhabitants constructed their dwellings in stilted complexes.[5]
Moreover, the archaeological record indicates that periods of drought affected the lake, particularly during the first millennium B.C. These arid intervals are evidenced by the presence of hearths located beneath layers of white clays that constitute the lakebed. Such findings underscore the adaptability and resilience of early human communities in navigating the climatic and environmental fluctuations of the Cundiboyacense high plateau.
Spanish Era
The arrival of the Spaniards to the Savanna encountered a Muisca settlement under the leadership of a Cacique named Sagasuca. This settlement was renamed by the Spaniards as Pueblo de indios de Sagasuca. On November 20, 1559, the municipality was officially founded by Alonso Díaz with the name La Serrezuela (which means Small Mountain Range), owing to its proximity to the hill in this part of the Savanna. During the Spanish era, Spanish families established themselves and initiated encomiendas in the area. Nevertheless, no notable events are known to have transpired during this period in La Serrezuela. Due to its location on the route leading from ancient Santafé to Honda, high-ranking officials of the Royal Audience, the Metropolitan Archbishop, and viceroys passed through and occasionally lodged there.
According to the historian Miguel Aguilera, in 1639, in the settlement that would later become Madrid, a cacique named Don Juan, hailing from Tybaitatá, held prominence. During this period, the population comprised Spaniards, indigenous people, criollos, and mulattos.[6]
The Royal Decree of August 3, 1774, concerning the reorganization of indigenous towns and magistracies, along with the decisions of the judicial board in 1775, prompted the prosecutor Francisco Antonio Moreno y Escandón to decree the extinction of the town of La Serrezuela due to its poverty and low population.
The Bridge of the Spaniards stands as a significant architectural feat erected during the Hispanic era in 1789, credited to the Italian engineer Domingo Esquiaqui. Situated over the Subachoque River, it remains operational, currently serving vehicular transit. This bridge is deemed the oldest structure in the municipality and one of the most ancient within the Cundinamarca department. In 1789, the population of the town was approximated to include 70 residents alongside a similar number of indigenous inhabitants.[6]
During the era, prominent haciendas were owned by families from Santafé, some of which would later become the property of historical figures or be inhabited by them. Among these haciendas, notable ones include:
- La Hélida: Jorge Miguel Lozano de Peralta, known as the Marquis of San Jorge, resided here.
- El Boyero: Owned by Rufino José Cuervo, a Colombian scholar of great significance.
- La Estancia: Belonging to the Serrano Escallón family, this estate served as the residence and hiding place for Antonio Nariño, who concealed some of his writings here, including the translation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Nariño sought refuge in La Estancia after being pursued for conspiring against the Spanish government in 1792.
- Casablanca: Property of José María Vergara y Vergara, where he wrote parts of his work History of Literature in New Granada (1867) and perhaps Olives and olive trees, all are one.(1868). The estate had been inherited from his maternal grandfather, Antonio Vergara Azcárate y Dávila, who had been an encomendero of the Pueblo de indios de Serrezuela in 1650. Additionally, a plaque commemorates Simón Bolívar's overnight stay in one of the rooms. Later, it would become the property of José María Sierra, better known as Pepe Sierra, a peasant who became the wealthiest man in Colombia.
- San Marino: The hacienda derives its name from the homonymous country, with origins dating back to the late 19th century. The distinguished Rafael Reyes regularly visited the region. Alcira and Lucila Blanco, close friends of President Alfonso López Pumarejo, who frequented the place, resided here. The designation Hacienda San Marino is attributed to the Blanco sisters, who, after surviving the ravages of World War II, decided to settle in Madrid.
- Casa de Santa Inés: Located along the Occidente Road, this estate housed the offices of former commercial aviation companies such as Transportes Aéreos Centroamericanos (currently Avianca), Vías Aéreas de Colombia, and Agencia Interamericana de Aviación.
Republican Era
19th Century
During the Republican era, Madrid bore witness to numerous battles among revolutionary armies striving for their libertarian ideals. José Hilario López, a military figure and president of the Republic of New Granada, established his headquarters in Madrid in 1831.
Several years hence, in the annus of 1881, the city of Madrid played host to the insurrection orchestrated by the esteemed general and subsequent president, Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera. In the year 1894, it once again became the theatre of upheaval, witnessing a rebellion against the autocratic rule of José María Melo. Melo, erstwhile the de facto president of the Republic of New Granada during the tempestuous civil conflict of 1854, found himself at the epicenter of dissent and revolution.[6]
In the waning years of the nineteenth century, Rufino Gutiérrez, erstwhile official visitor in the years 1887 and 1888, authored a tome titled Monografías. In this literary work, Gutiérrez delineated the condition of Madrid and various other settlements, alongside an exposition of their public institutions. According to Gutiérrez's discerning observations, the prevailing circumstance was deemed deplorable and indigent. At that juncture, the public educational landscape comprised two institutions, one designated for male pupils and another for their female counterparts, in addition to a coeducational and privately funded establishment. The civic amenities included a public abattoir, a telegraph office, and a tax collection bureau.
Gutiérrez asserted that Madrid was configured into 11 blocks and 9 streets, encompassing a total of 70 dwellings, of which 22 were adorned with clay-tiled roofs, complemented by courtyards and enclosures. The urban fabric boasted a constellation of significant public edifices, including a church, a town hall, a parsonage, the two educational institutions, the cemetery, and the railway station. It is noteworthy to highlight that the latter, a testament to infrastructural development, was erected under the auspices of Governor Daniel Aldana during the administrative tenure of 1882.[6]
Furthermore, during this temporal epoch, two pivotal industries were established, namely, the wheat mill operated by Julián Escallón and the brewery under the purview of General Antonio Basilio Cuervo. In accordance with Gutiérrez's meticulous account, the wheat mill was propelled by the waters of the Subachoque River, engendering the production of carts and machinery for forage pressing. Conversely, Basilio Cuervo's brewery catered to the consumptive needs spanning the expanse from the Savanna to locales as distant as La Mesa, Villeta, Guaduas, and Honda.
According to Rufino Gutiérrez, the societal framework of that era manifested itself in three discrete social strata. The grand capitalists, imbued with an apathetic disposition, exhibited indifference towards both the moral and material progression of the community. Conversely, the lesser landowners harbored a class rife with envy towards the opulence of the major estate holders and disdain for those occupying a lower social echelon than themselves. Ultimately, Gutiérrez portrayed the indigenous population as entirely bereft of the spirit of cohesion that animates a harmonious community.[6]
Pedro Fernández Madrid
During these years, Pedro Fernández Madrid (born on December 13, 1817, in Havana, Cuba, and deceased on February 8, 1875) resided in La Serrezuela. Born while his father, the independence hero José Fernández Madrid, served a period of exile in Cuba, Pedro completed his primary studies there in 1825 before returning to Cartagena with his family. In 1826, he accompanied his father to France, where the latter was appointed as a confidential agent, and subsequently to London, where he assumed the position of plenipotentiary minister. In this foreign milieu, Pedro received a thorough education under the mentorship of Andrés Bello, the secretary of the Colombian Legation in London. Following his father's demise in 1830, he enrolled in university, graduating in law from the University of the Rosary in 1838. Even as a student, he embarked on his career as a writer in 1837 with an article defending his father, published under the aegis of General Francisco de Paula Santander.
In 1842, he published his work Treatise on Public Instruction (Pamphlet on Public Instruction). In 1843, Pedro joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, playing a pivotal role in delineating national borders and diplomatic relations with the Holy See. From 1852 to 1860, he served as a congressman, holding the presidency of the congress in 1857, presiding over the Sovereign Boyacá State, and also being a chosen member of the National Academy of History. Owing to health issues, he retired from politics in 1864 and withdrew to La Serrezuela with his wife, Vicenta Martínez de Madrid, where they had acquired a mansion for repose. They had four children: Rosalía, Alejandrina, Pedro Vicente, and Camilo. It is recounted that one of their daughters drowned near the former Parque de las Ballenitas.
During his twilight years, Pedro lived with his wife and housekeeper, Tránsito Ospina, who sacrificed her life to save Mrs. Vicenta. Unfortunately, both met their demise by drowning in the Subachoque River. Pedro Fernández Madrid is remembered as a statesman, writer, and educator. His remains rest alongside those of his wife Vicenta and housekeeper Tránsito in the municipal cemetery of Madrid. The inhabitants of La Serrezuela felt honored by Pedro's affection for the municipality, leading them to rename it Madrid through Law No. 14 on November 17, 1875.[6]
20th Century
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The enterprising and affluent Antioquian entrepreneur, José María Sierra, also known as Pepe Sierra (1848-1921), acquired Hacienda Casablanca in 1900. Renowned as one of Colombia's wealthiest men in his era, he resided there with his wife, Zoraida Cadavid de Sierra, and their thirteen children. Following Zoraida's demise in Paris in 1921, she bequeathed in her will that a seventh part of their fortune be allocated to establish a home for impoverished girls in Colombia, giving rise to the inception of the Zoraida Cadavid de Sierra Asylum. Initially situated in Plaza España in Bogotá, his daughter María Sierra decided to relocate it to Madrid in 1945. With the assistance of her grandson Guillermo Gómez Sierra, it metamorphosed into the present-day Zoraida Cadavid de Sierra Institute School.
In pursuit of this transformation, María acquired an erstwhile mansion that had belonged to President Rafael Reyes, subsequently razed to construct the school.
The incumbent, President Rafael Reyes, established his official residence in Madrid throughout the tenure of his presidential incumbency, spanning the years 1904 to 1909. As the inaugural executive to preside for a duration surpassing the conventional four-year term delineated by the Constitution of 1886, Reyes tendered his resignation in response to societal exigencies and political exigences emanating from the oppositional faction.
In the nascent years of the 20th century, Pedro Aquilino López and his spouse, Rosario Pumarejo de López, procured the lease of an antiquated residence situated in the environs of Pedro Fernández Madrid Park. This sojourn served as a reposeful interlude during their journey from Honda to Bogotá. Residing alongside them during this period was one of their progeny, the subsequent President of the Republic, Alfonso López Pumarejo. A sculptural bust, crafted by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, once commemorated this pivotal historical juncture in the park bearing the namesake of the president, situated along the banks of the Subachoque River. Regrettably, this sculptural testament to history has been purloined, leaving only an inconsequential stone occupying its erstwhile eminence.[7]
In the annum 1973, the entreaty proffered by Mayor Marina Camacho de Samper impelled the Departmental Assembly to reinstate its original nomenclature, Serrezuela, in accordance with the tenets delineated in Law 5 of 1920. The aforementioned legislation advocates for the adoption of indigenous, archaic, or historically resonant designations for settlements. Ultimately, through the promulgation of Decree No. 14 on 16 November 1976, the township reclaimed its designation as Madrid.
Municipal Boundaries
The municipality features a temperate isothermal climate categorized as Csb, as per the Köppen climate classification. Owing to its elevation, Madrid experiences a mountainous climate, and due to its low latitude, it exhibits minimal thermal variation throughout the course of the year. Temperatures typically range between 7 °C to 20 °C,[8] with an average temperature of 14 °C.[9]
| Climate data for Madrid (Base Aerea Madrid), elevation 2,550 m (8,370 ft), (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 18.9 (66.0) |
19.3 (66.7) |
18.7 (65.7) |
18.7 (65.7) |
18.6 (65.5) |
18.4 (65.1) |
18.4 (65.1) |
18.4 (65.1) |
18.6 (65.5) |
18.2 (64.8) |
18.4 (65.1) |
18.7 (65.7) |
18.6 (65.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 13.5 (56.3) |
13.6 (56.5) |
13.8 (56.8) |
14.0 (57.2) |
14.1 (57.4) |
13.9 (57.0) |
13.8 (56.8) |
13.8 (56.8) |
13.8 (56.8) |
13.8 (56.8) |
13.8 (56.8) |
13.6 (56.5) |
13.8 (56.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 5.3 (41.5) |
5.4 (41.7) |
6.7 (44.1) |
7.7 (45.9) |
7.7 (45.9) |
7.0 (44.6) |
6.4 (43.5) |
6.4 (43.5) |
6.1 (43.0) |
6.8 (44.2) |
7.0 (44.6) |
5.3 (41.5) |
6.5 (43.7) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 14.1 (0.56) |
29.3 (1.15) |
41.8 (1.65) |
73.9 (2.91) |
72.2 (2.84) |
49.7 (1.96) |
38.8 (1.53) |
36.3 (1.43) |
42.7 (1.68) |
74.2 (2.92) |
64.5 (2.54) |
30.0 (1.18) |
567.5 (22.34) |
| Average precipitation days | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 14 | 8 | 136 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 80 | 79 | 80 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 81 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 189.1 | 158.1 | 139.5 | 111.0 | 111.6 | 120.0 | 136.4 | 139.5 | 132.0 | 130.2 | 126.0 | 167.4 | 1,660.8 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 6.1 | 5.6 | 4.5 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 5.4 | 4.6 |
| Source: Instituto de Hidrologia Meteorologia y Estudios Ambientales[10] | |||||||||||||
The urban population density stands at 900 inhabitants per square kilometer, while the index of rural population density ranges from 50 to 75 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population growth rate is determined to be 5.6%, a phenomenon predominantly instigated by the population pressure emanating from the Capital District of Bogotá. Noteworthy is the fact that the population of Madrid comprises 136,374 individuals within its urban expanse.[11]
Madrid boasts a diversified economy encompassing sectors such as commerce, agriculture, livestock, fishing, and industry.
Commerce stands as a pivotal economic catalyst within the locale, characterized by a plethora of retail establishments offering an extensive array of products and services to both the resident population and visitors alike.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Madrid's economic landscape, benefitting from abundant arable land and an optimal climate conducive to the cultivation of various crops, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Livestock farming also holds prominence, featuring a diverse array of dairy and meat-producing livestock.
Furthermore, manufacturing constitutes a substantial driver of Madrid's economy, with a diverse array of enterprises engaged in the production of goods and services, ranging from electronics to food and chemicals. The municipality distinguishes itself through robust industrial development along the Carretera de Occidente, linking Bogotá and Facatativá, and its strategic location in the Puente de Piedra sector, serving as a nexus between the northern and southern sectors of the municipality and the broader region.
Madrid is acknowledged as Colombia's foremost floricultural municipality and one of the leading global producers of cut flowers.[12] With over 1,000 hectares dedicated to flower cultivation, the municipality hosts the country's preeminent floral enterprises, including Fantasy Flowers, Imperial, Santa Mónica Flowers, and Jardines de los Andes. Nonetheless, this flourishing sector is not immune to adverse consequences. Flower production can have various detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. According to a SciELO study, greenhouse flower production may lead to the depletion of natural resources, such as deforestation, the use of agrochemicals, and waste generation. Moreover, flower production may pose risks to the health of workers exposed to agrochemicals and other chemicals used in the process.[12]
Obleas Villetica
The historic venue renowned for its famous obleas in Madrid, situated at the intersection of 7th Street and 4th Avenue, facing Luis Carlos Galán Park, has been enchanting the city's inhabitants and visitors alike with its homemade products for over 122 years.[13]
Literature
Pedro Fernández Madrid
In addition to his political career, Pedro is also renowned for his literary endeavors. In 1842, he published his most notable work, Opúsculo sobre la Instrucción Pública (Pamphlet on Public Instruction), which garnered the gold medal in a competition held by the Philanthropic Society. Through his writings, including Nuestras costas incultas (Our Uncultivated Coasts), he staunchly championed the sovereignty of the Republic of New Granada on the Mosquito Coast, compelling the recognition of Colombia's rights in the region by the United Kingdom and the United States. His literary contributions further facilitated legislative changes at the national level regarding population and immigration.
In 1871, four years prior to his demise, Pedro Fernández Madrid was appointed a member of the Colombian Academy of Language, thereby acknowledging his invaluable contributions to literature and his steadfast defense of Colombia's rights.[14]
Music
Kei Linch
Karla Cajamarca, also known as Anarkía Kei Linch, emerges as a young and talented rapper, musical artist, and singer-songwriter hailing from Madrid. Commencing her career within the underground rap milieu of Bogotá, Anarkía catapulted to national fame in 2021, culminating as a finalist in the fourth season of the El Factor X program. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Tres Coronas and Canserbero, Anarkía released her inaugural EP, "Red & Blue Sad Doll," recorded with YouTube tracks and distributed in physical format.[15]
In 2020, amid the initial lockdown prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Anarkía actively participated in the Caciques project, seeking to unearth the next significant talent within Colombian hip-hop. Through her talent and resilient character, Anarkía proved herself as a potential leader within the movement, unveiling her hometown, Madrid, Cundinamarca, and acknowledging those who aided her in achieving her dreams.
Despite not securing victory in El Factor X, Anarkía captivated the national audience of Rap and HipHop enthusiasts during her performance in the finale on May 30, 2021.[15]
Religion
San Francisco de Paula Church
The inception of the parish's historical narrative dates back to September 23, 1635, marked by the church archives recording the baptismal entry of an indigenous child named Mateo. At that time, the church was known as the Parish of La Serrezuela.
The construction of the present Parish Church of San Francisco de Paula commenced on August 15, 1895, a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of the clergyman Sandalio María Rodríguez, as per the information provided by Wilson Buitrágo Giraldo.
Since its establishment, the parish has remained actively engaged in pastoral endeavors. Historical records reveal that in 1635, under the leadership of the parish priest Juan Bautista Guio Cerullo, the inaugural baptismal ceremony took place at the Parish of La Serrezuela. Cerullo continued to fulfill his duties as parish priest until 1655.
The current edifice was consecrated by the Archbishop of Santa Fe on August 15, 1895, with the construction meticulously overseen by the parish priest Sandalio María Rodríguez. Fashioned from stone quarried from Chunuba de Bojaca, the church stands dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin in her Advocacy of Carmen.[16]
Julio Sánchez González
Julio Sánchez González, also known as El cura Julio, was born in Madrid in 1914 and resided there until the age of 14, when he entered the diocesan seminary. Ordained as a priest in Rome, he consistently demonstrated a commitment to education, serving as a chaplain at the Gimnasio Moderno and the Colegio Alfonso Jaramillo. In 1966, he founded the Colegio Emilio Valenzuela with the guiding principle, "We do not wish to be just another school. Therefore, our ideal must always be clear, and its spirit vibrant and fervent: we shall not allow ourselves to be worn down by time, corroded by routine, or destroyed by inertia." A year later, he was appointed rector and served in this capacity until 2001.
Julio maintained a close friendship with members of the Golconda, such as Camilo Torres Restrepo, René García Lizarralde, and Luis Currea, despite enduring ideological differences. His passing occurred in Bogotá in 2009.[16]
The School of Radiotelegraphy and Mechanics was established on July 5, 1932, through Decree 1144, with its main headquarters situated at the Aerospace Base in Madrid (Cundinamarca). Following the training of 14 cohorts of aviation mechanics, the school underwent a relocation to Cali in 1953, where its curriculum was expanded and modernized. Ultimately, on January 1, 1970, the school established its headquarters in Madrid (Cundinamarca), featuring new facilities, and assumed the nomenclature of the School of Non-Commissioned Officers Captain Andrés María Díaz Díaz. To date, the institution has graduated 92 cohorts of non-commissioned officers, including the illustrious 88th course.
By virtue of Agreement ICFES 275 dated December 5, 1991, the school received authorization to implement five technological programs across distinct specialties, each spanning six semesters, and confer the undergraduate title of aeronautical technologist to those students meeting the requisite legal criteria. In 2006, the school garnered five resolutions from the Ministry of National Education via the CNA, accrediting the five aeronautical technologies for a four-year duration, with the following ratings:
- Technology in Aeronautical Maintenance (Resolution No. 1921 of May 8, 2006, Rating: 3.98)
- Technology in Airport Security (Resolution No. 1915 of May 8, 2006, Rating: 5.0)
- Technology in Aeronautical Communications (Resolution No. 1914 of May 8, 2006, Rating: 4.1)
- Technology in Aeronautical Supplies (Resolution No. 5673 of September 20, 2006, Rating: 4.2)
- Technology in Aeronautical Electronics (Resolution No. 5672 of September 20, 2006, Rating: 4.7)
These technological programs were accredited by the Ministry of National Education through the aforementioned resolutions issued by the CNA, each attaining distinct qualifications that underscore their excellence and proficiency in their respective fields of study.
The Air Maintenance Command was established as a unit of the Colombian Aerospace Force through Decree 1756 of November 8, 1924, promulgated by the President of the Republic, Pedro Nel Ospina, in collaboration with the Minister of War, Carlos Jaramillo. The command's operations commenced at the Serrezuela estate in Madrid (Cund), marked by the early engagement of an advisory mission from the Swiss Air Force.[17]
The temporary closure of the Unit occurred on December 28, 1928, owing to technical and economic challenges. However, in 1929, the Unit resumed its operations with the return of Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Lema Posada and Lieutenant Camilo Daza to the country, marking their roles as the inaugural Colombian instructors. Throughout its existence, the Unit has been recognized as the School of Piloting and Observation until its relocation to Cali. In 1943, the Aerial Instruction Center for civilian pilots was established, graduating its first class on July 29, 1944. Subsequently, the Unit shifted its focus to the training of non-commissioned personnel and acquired the Quinta Córdoba grounds to evolve into the Base School of Technical Classes. With the expansion of the aerospace fleet of the Colombian Air Force, the 101st Military Air Transport Squadron was formed, and the Unit transformed into the Transport Base. In 1956, the Transport Base evolved into the Arsenal Base, responsible for providing logistical support for aeronautical and war materials to the Aerospace Force. Later, aligning with the organizational plans of the Aerospace Force, it transformed into the Air Material Command, incorporating maintenance and supply groups. Following the relocation of the supply group to El Dorado Base, the Unit assumed its present designation as the Air Maintenance Command.
Since 1971, an ambitious program of construction and workshop remodeling has been implemented, complemented by the provision of state-of-the-art equipment. This initiative has catalyzed the establishment of a thriving aeronautical industry that caters to both the Aerospace Force and the commercial aviation sector of the country. On May 31, 2002, the Air Maintenance Command received its operational certificate from the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics in the categories of aircraft structures 1 and 2, engine plants class 3, and specialized calibration services, thereby expanding its services to the national private aviation sector.
Throughout its history, 58 officers have held the position of commander, contributing their dedication and efforts to solidify the Air Maintenance Command as a cornerstone in aeronautical maintenance in Colombia.[17]
Illustrious figures
Rafael Navas Pardo
Rafael Navas Pardo, born in Madrid, Cundinamarca, on 2 February 1908, emerged as a prominent figure within the annals of Colombian military and political history. A scion of both military and political realms, Navas Pardo ascended to eminence as a pivotal member of the Junta Militar de Gobierno, supplanting General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla from 10 May 1957, to 7 August 1958. His intellectual foundations were laid at the venerable institutions of Colegio de La Presentación and the Instituto de la Salle de Bogotá, culminating in his commissioning as a subofficer from the Escuela de Suboficiales, prior to enlisting in the esteemed Escuela Militar de Cadetes, where he achieved the distinctions of bachelor and sublieutenant in the year 1933.
Throughout his military odyssey, Navas Pardo rendered dedicated service across diverse units and institutions, encompassing the precincts of the Escuela Militar de Cadetes, the Batallón Guardia de Honor, the Escuela de Armas Blindadas, and the Batallón de Bogotá. His ascendancy to various posts, including the mantle of military mayor, commander of military units, head of the División de Policía de Bogotá, and commander of the Brigada de Institutos Militares, underscored the breadth and depth of his multifaceted career.
The symbiotic association between General Navas Pardo and Rojas Pinilla was anchored in a shared trajectory of extensive military service. With Rojas Pinilla at the helm of Colombia's presidency, Navas Pardo assumed command of the National Army, achieving the distinction of Brigadier General, all the while showcasing remarkable leadership within the precincts of the Brigada de Institutos Militares, testament to his officerly acumen.
10 May 1957, marked Navas Pardo's inclusion in the Junta Militar de Gobierno, an entity crafted by Rojas Pinilla to orchestrate the transition of presidential authority. However, the idyllic narrative unraveled on 2 May 1958, when a coup attempt, spearheaded by a faction of military forces averse to the relinquishment of power to the civil government elected through plebiscitary means, transpired. The residence of Navas Pardo bore the brunt of this tumultuous episode, sundered and partially razed, a testament to his unwavering opposition to General Rojas Pinilla's tenacious grasp on power.[18]
Madrid is attainable from Bogotá through a myriad of conduits, encompassing the Centenario Avenue leading to the Bogotá River, and the Occidental Trunk Road extending to Madrid and Facatativá. Alternatively, one may traverse Soacha from the Indumil Avenue via the Mondoñedo route, or journey from Funza via the Western Perimeter Road towards Mosquera. Augmenting these terrestrial arteries, an expansive intermunicipal bus service operates from various junctures within the capital and its environs. Furthermore, there exist connections with Zipacón and Bojacá to the southwest, as well as El Rosal and Subachoque to the north.
Concomitantly, Madrid is linked to Bogotá via the National Route 50 (Bogotá-Medellín), commencing from the Calle 80 Avenue in the capital, coursing through the Puente de Piedra sector, and culminating in the urban nexus of Madrid to the south. Prospective developments portend that Madrid shall become an integral component of the Savanna Commuter Train, interlinking Bogotá's city center with Facatativá. This ambitious endeavor will feature a dedicated station in Madrid, offering seamless integration with Bogotá's public transportation network.[19]
Flag
The flag of Madrid serves as the official emblem encapsulating the essence of the municipality, thereby attaining the status of a municipal symbol alongside the coat of arms and anthem. Its design consists of a rectangle partitioned into three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and white. The uppermost stripe, occupying half the width of the flag, is characterized by a verdant hue, while the middle stripe, constituting one-quarter of the width, assumes a yellow tone. Finally, the lowermost stripe, also one-quarter of the width, adopts a pristine white color. The proportions of these stripes adhere to a ratio of 2:1:1.
The symbolic significance of each chromatic component is profound. The green stripe symbolizes the municipality's agricultural pursuits, reflecting its fertile landscape and agrarian vista. In parallel, the yellow stripe epitomizes industrial endeavors and technological advancement, serving as a conduit for progress within the municipality. It further embodies the sun, a fount of illumination, as well as principles of sovereignty, harmony, and justice. The white stripe, in turn, signifies transparency, the sagacity of its populace, purity, integrity, steadfastness, vigilance, and eloquence.
Together, these chromatic elements harmoniously converge to articulate the multifaceted identity of Madrid, encapsulating its agricultural, industrial, and civic facets within the canvas of its municipal flag.[20]
Seal
The heraldic emblem of Madrid boasts a contemporaneous design, evoking stylistic nuances reminiscent of the French tradition, articulating a division into four equidistant bands. The upper left band, set against a cerulean backdrop, artfully encapsulates the seat of governance, the Casa de Gobierno, intertwined with a vignette of the Parque Pedro Fernández Madrid. In parallel, the upper right quadrant, against a golden canvas, features a tableau comprising two ears of corn, two potatoes, two carrots, and an onion—an allegorical tapestry emblematic of the municipality's agricultural prowess. Transitioning to the lower left quadrant, cast upon a crimson expanse, the presence of a book and quill scribing the annals of Madrid's history unfolds, with a particular focus on its foundational epoch in 1559, attributed to Alonso Díaz. Concluding this visual narrative, the lower right quadrant, bedecked with a verdant tableau, depicts a pastoral scene wherein a cow nurtures its calf, thereby symbolizing the municipality's livestock husbandry and dairy cultural ethos.
The superior divisions are demarcated by the resplendent tricolor of the Republic of Colombia, while the inferior segments proudly bear the flag of the department of Cundinamarca, rendered in a darker azure hue. The lateral peripheries of the shield are graced by two cornucopias, emblematic of the opulence and fecundity characterizing the municipality.
Above the crest, an eagle regally perches, embodying lofty ideals of elevation, acumen, prowess, sagacity, and strength. The visage of the eagle, depicted in frontal orientation with wings outspread, beak agape, and gaze directed towards the dexter, is embellished with a ribbon adorned in the hues of the Madrid flag. This ribbon gracefully bears the municipality's nomenclature inscribed in uppercase black lettering. A further ribbon, affixed to the shield's apex, likewise bedecked in the colors of the Madrid flag, proudly features the motto Unity - Progress - Development inscribed in bold black lettering.[20]
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