Golden Tulip Accra, in conjunction with the Embassy of Colombia, has earmarked a series of activities to mark the 207th National Day of Colombia.

A weeklong ‘Colombia Food Festival’ featuring the best of Colombian cuisine, music and culture will be showcased every day at the hotel’s pool gardens from next week.

On the 20th of July every year, Colombians mark their independence from Spain in 1810.

The national day is celebrated with parades and marches throughout Colombia. Sports and traditional folk music are popular activities on the day.

Speaking on behalf of Management of Golden Tulip Accra, Marshall Otu, Food & Beverage Manager, said Golden Tulip believes in cultural exchange as it provides the hotel with the opportunity to learn the cuisine and culture of other nationals in order to serve clients better.

“We are hosting a Colombian chef throughout next week to showcase the indigenous Colombian cuisine and to witness the rich culture of Colombia as we partner the Colombian Embassy in Ghana to mark the day,” he said.

He revealed plans by the hotel's management to continue partnering other nationals to celebrate their national events.

Throwing light on what clients should expect next week, the Golden Tulip Executive Chef, Leslie Quarmyne, stated that ingredients used for most Colombian cuisine such as plantain, yam and coconut are common in Ghana “so it will be incorporated in the menu to give a unique experience”.

A Colombian Chef, Carlos Otero, disclosed that many dishes in Colombia are inspired by African cuisines.

"This shows that a big part of Africa lives in Colombia as such the weeklong celebration is just like bringing back to Africa, African heritage food,” he said.

Chef Carlos said some of the cuisine to be showcased are: Arroz de marisco (seafood rice), platanoententacion (baked plantain), Encocado de mariscos (seafood stew), Carne desemechada (beef stew), Ajiako (soup), Pasteles de arroz de cerdo (rice cake) and a host of other Colombian cuisine.