Madrid (Colombia)

Madrid
Municipality
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 / 4.73444°N 74.26833°W / 4.73444; -74.26833
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  (2022)[1]
• Municipality	150.374
• Density	1.2/km2 (3.2/sq mi)
• Urban	150.374
Demonym(s)	Madrilenian, madrileño, -ña
Time zone	UTC-5
Area code	60+1
Website	www.madrid-cundinamarca.gov.co/

Madrid (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈðɾið]) is one of the 116 municipalities in the Cundinamarca Department, Colombia. With an estimated population of 150,374 inhabitants (2022), it stands as the eighth most populous municipality in the department. Encompassing an area of 120.5 km²,^[2] it is situated within the Western Savanna Province, positioned 21 km away from Bogotá, and is an integral component of the Metropolitan Area of Bogotá.

The municipality was established on November 20, 1559, by Alonso Díaz, originally bearing the appellation La Serrezuela. However, in 1875, it underwent a nomenclatural transformation, adopting its current designation. Notably recognized as a commuter town, its reputation stems from the proliferation of housing projects in recent decades, catalyzing population expansion and the formation of a cosmopolitan community comprising individuals from diverse regions and countries.

Madrid stands prominently as Colombia's foremost hub for floriculture,^[3] earning acclaim as one of the world's top contributors to cut flower production. Boasting over 1,000 hectares devoted to the cultivation of flowers and hosting the headquarters of the nation's most influential floral enterprises, the city has become a key player in the global market. Nevertheless, this flourishing sector is not immune to adverse consequences. The intensive large-scale cultivation of flowers has precipitated detrimental environmental impacts, marked by the excessive use of agrochemicals, deforestation, waste generation, water resource pollution, exploitation of groundwater, labor exploitation, and occupational health concerns, all of which emerge as paramount apprehensions.

Toponymy

The nomenclatural designation Madrid, bestowed in homage to the distinguished figure Pedro Fernández Madrid,^[4] born in Havana, Cuba, and having spent his final years in the municipality then identified as La Serrezuela, reflects a deliberate acknowledgment of his legacy. Following his demise on February 7, 1875, the local populace petitioned the Cundinamarca Assembly for a name alteration, a request formalized through Law 14 on November 17, 1875. This legislative measure marked the official transition from the erstwhile toponym La Serrezuela to the present-day designation of Madrid.

The toponym Serrezuela was reinstated in 1945, only to undergo another transition back to Madrid in 1946. This nomenclatural oscillation persisted until 1973, when the Departmental Assembly reinstated the former name, in adherence to the stipulations of Law 5 of 1920. This legal provision mandates the bestowal of indigenous, ancient, or historical names upon localities. Ultimately, the current appellation was officially promulgated through Decree No. 14 on November 16, 1976. According to historian Roberto Velandia, the designation Madrid was inadvertently conferred due to prevailing political and social affinities towards the aforementioned personality.^[4]

History

Pre-Columbian Era

Madrid boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The earliest inhabitants of the region belonged to the Herrera Period, spanning approximately from 400 BCE to 200 CE, predating the Muisca culture. During this epoch, advanced cultures flourished, leaving a significant legacy in the region. Traces of these cultures, such as petroglyphs and ceramics, persist in the area. Furthermore, Madrid's cultural and archaeological heritage is esteemed for its historical significance, safeguarded by local authorities to preserve its legacy for future generations. In present-day Madrid, a settlement named Tybaitatá existed, signifying the captain's tillage, and was subordinate to the Zipa of Bogotá (Muyqyta), situated in the current municipality of Funza.

Since the initiation of the desiccation process of Lake Herrera, it has yielded a broad spectrum of natural resources, catering to both local gatherers and hunters, as well as early farmers and potters. The array of resources available in the lagoon, encompassing birds, guinea pigs, fish, small mammals, and crustaceans, coupled with the abundance of mountainous fauna such as deer and others, residing in the nearby hills, intimates that for millennia, the denizens of this region adeptly relied upon hunting, gathering, and fishing as primary sources of sustenance.

The adoption of agriculture in this area transpired at a later juncture, given the ample availability of water resources to furnish protein, energy-rich sustenance (such as roots and juncos), and natural regulators. Nevertheless, the fertile lacustrine soils facilitated the emergence of early agricultural pursuits and the establishment of the initial Spanish-origin livestock estates in the region.^[5]

The denizens of the Herrera period (1st millennium BCE - 1st millennium CE) distinguished themselves through their adept exploitation of lacustrine environments, fostering an economy centered on crops such as maize, achira, and high-altitude tubers. Additionally, their prowess extended to fishing, as well as the hunting of highland mammals and rodents. Noteworthy endeavors also included the exploitation of salt pans and the construction of monoliths, as evidenced by various sources.

While the prospect of heterogeneity within this period, marked by early and late phases, has been posited, detailed insights into the sociocultural and physical characteristics of its inhabitants, as well as their ritual practices, remain elusive thus far. The discovery of a ritual site in Madrid, Cundinamarca, spanning both phases, has yielded invaluable data to address this matter comprehensively.^[5]

In March 2003, during construction activities, an archaeological site was unearthed at Cra. 5 #2-41 in the municipality of Madrid. Preliminary analysis of the site indicated its affiliation with the Herrera archaeological period, primarily discerned through the presence of characteristic ceramics such as Red Incised (RI), Crushed Mosquera Rock (MRT), Zipaquirá Red over Cream (ZRC), and Zipaquirá Potsherds with Grog (ZDT), previously identified by various scholars (Broadbent, 1971, 1986; Cardale 1981; Castillo 1984; Peña 1991; Cifuentes 1986; Correal and Pinto 1983).

Upon juxtaposing the burial pattern of a nearby funerary mound, excavated at the entrance of the lot, with the archaeological site of Aguazuque in the municipality of Soacha, dating approximately between 3000 and 1000 BCE, notable similarities emerged. These include the positioning of skeletons in a lateral decubitus with flexed limbs, physical traits such as dolichocephaly, and evidence of dental wear in select individuals (Correal, 1990). This assemblage, concomitant with Herrera ceramics, lithic artifacts, and animal remains, attests to the site's initial occupation dating back to the 1st millennium BCE.

Subsequently, a second occupation was documented, likewise linked to Herrera ceramics, wherein agriculture played a more prominent role, and societal complexity became more apparent. During this phase, brachycephalic populations are observed, and it is estimated to correspond approximately to the 1st millennium CE.^[5]

The soil analyses conducted on archaeological sections and the study of the environmental surroundings in the Bogotá savanna unveil that the excavation site in the municipality of Madrid was situated in an area characterized by lacustrine features. This zone was demarcated by the Lake Herrera and numerous wetlands formed by the confluence of the Subachoque River, historically flowing into the vicinity of the lagoon. These waters covered a portion of the western sector of the highland. The magnitude of these waters in the region has been substantiated through studies of ancient soils, notwithstanding the natural constraints that did not impede human activity in its vicinity.

The archaeological profiles disclose evidence of habitation on the shores of the lagoon, where the early inhabitants constructed their dwellings upon palafitic structures. Furthermore, in deeper strata, indications of lake drought periods are discerned, possibly during the 1st millennium BCE, during which evidence of hearths is found beneath layers of white clay constituting the lakebed.^[5]

The lacustrine systems in certain areas of the highland have given rise to diverse interpretations regarding the lifestyles of human groups. Whether they were hunters seeking suitable areas for hunting or the early potters who arrived in the region, these groups were influenced by the presence of these bodies of water. According to ethnohistorical accounts, during the time of the Muisca, continuous prayers were offered to their deities in an effort to drain the lacustrine systems, swamps, and lakes that posed challenges for the communities situated to the west of the Bogotá savanna.^[5]

Initially, the site was inhabited by a population characterized by a rudimentary culture. They conducted collective burials at various junctures, accompanied by ceramics, stone tools, and animal bone remains. These interments took place within a recess excavated in the white clay at the lakebed's bottom. Individuals were laid to rest in a lateral position, with limbs extended, and in certain instances, crania were positioned atop fragments of ceramics.

In the second phase of occupation, as the society evolved towards more complex structures and individualized systems of power, a unique ritual and astronomical complex was erected. This complex comprises a canal exceeding 30 meters in length, extending from south to north, noteworthy for its duality: circular forms on the eastern side and square forms on the western side.^[5]

The human remains discovered provide us with a glimpse into the evolution of groups that relied on the resources of Lake Herrera in various ways. Initially, they were potter-hunter-gatherers who subsisted on deer, curí, birds, gastropods, fish, and both wild and cultivated plants. Physically, these groups bore resemblance to those of Aguazuque and shared afflictions such as treponematosis. Moreover, they maintained close contacts with the Magdalena River Valley, as evidenced by the presence of animals, ceramics, and lithic raw materials from that region.

Subsequently, a shift is discernible towards a heightened reliance on cultivated plants, evidenced by dental structure and the presence of grinding implements such as metates. At this juncture, these groups exhibit a physical resemblance to the Muisca and diminish their interactions with the Magdalena River Valley.

The remnants of material culture associated with the burials afford us a tentative timeframe for the occupation, spanning from 300 BCE to 600 CE, drawing upon datings from other regions of the highland and the Magdalena watershed. Furthermore, the unearthed ceramics imply a cultural exchange between these groups and those of the Magdalena, with ceramic fragments bearing distinctive traits from both regions.

Prominent discoveries include fragments of painted ceramics from the El Espinal municipality region, linked to ritualistic practices, and a red bathing cup adorned with serpentine sgraffito on its body and hatched triangles at the base, excavated as an offering in Madrid.

In the ceramic materials, a proliferation of notched edges, impressions, and applied elements is observed, often adorned with red or brown pigments in parallel lines and hatching. Simultaneously, simpler, utilitarian forms imbued with soot are also encountered.

The Madrid archaeological site is significant in that it enables the study of adaptive responses by populations of the Herrera phase to the lacustrine environment during two phases of occupation, both in biological and cultural terms, imbued with profound symbolic content. Prominent are dual geometric constructions, associated with collective and individual burials, signifying social and biological changes, including the transition from dolichocephalic to brachycephalic groups, as well as alterations in diet and social structure.^[5]

Herrera Period

The highland culture of the central Andes of Colombia, which flourished between 400 BCE and 200 CE, is known as the Herrera Period. This culture has been thoroughly examined through research conducted by Sylvia Broadbent at the Lake Herrera in Mosquera.

Archaeological evidence of the Herrera Culture has been unearthed across numerous locations in Colombia, encompassing Sopó, Soacha, Usme, Gámeza, the Archaeological Park of Facatativá, Moniquirá (El Infiernito), Chía, Chita, Chiscas, Soatá, Jericó, Sativasur, Covarachía, Sativanorte, El Cocuy, and Madrid. Furthermore, indications of its cultural development have also surfaced through archaeological excavations in Tolima and Santander, thereby underscoring the coexistent evolution of diverse societies.

One of the paramount discoveries from the Herrera Period is situated in Soacha, dating back from 400 B.C. to the era of the Muisca civilization. At this archaeological site, remnants of over 2200 individuals, intact ceramic vessels, stone tools, cotton, maize, bean, and banana passionfruit, as well as fragments of spindle whorls, have been meticulously unearthed.

The Herrera Culture emerged subsequent to the preceramic, archaic, and formative periods, aligning approximately with the early intermediate and middle horizon epochs of Andean civilizations. Regionally, it was succeeded by the Muisca culture.

The Herrera Period is distinguished by its ceramic artifacts adorned with incised ungulate motifs and dots, featuring monochromatic patterns, moccasin-like designs, and occasional zoomorphic elements such as serpents. These decorative elements embellish small vessels, likely associated with ceremonial purposes. The society during this period exhibited a well-developed agricultural system.

In the political realm during the Herrera Period (400 BCE - 200 CE.), several villages coalesced around the most fertile lands. Nevertheless, no conspicuous political primacy of one village over others or a pronounced internal social differentiation was observed. Transitioning into the Early Muisca Period (200 CE - 1000 CE), the economy underwent a transformation from subsistence agriculture to surplus production, catalyzing the emergence of more intricate societal structures.

In the settlements of the Bogotá Savanna, the transitions between the Herrera Period and the Early Muisca Period were notably transformative. The most conspicuous shift lay in the demographic surge during the Early Muisca Period, signaling alterations in the social and political dynamics within the region. Larger population centers emerged, indicative of a trend towards centralization, and the distribution of inhabitants suggests the establishment of a social hierarchy. This trajectory towards centralization persisted into the subsequent Muisca period.

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

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

Weather

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]

Demography

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.^[10]

Economy

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.^[11] 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.^[11]

Tourism

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.^[12]

Culture

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.^[13]

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.^[14]

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.^[14]

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.^[15]

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.^[15]

Defense and security

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.^[16]

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.^[16]

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.^[17]

Mobility

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.^[18]

Symbols

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.^[19]

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.^[19]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Madrid, Cundinamarca.

4°44′04″N 74°16′06″W / 4.73444°N 74.26833°W / 4.73444; -74.26833