Welcome to the Club

 Beatriz Villada drives the legacy of the 46-year-old Club Colombia Festival.

By David Chmiel

It may be over 2,000 miles from Colombia to Dover, NJ, but that hasn’t stopped the New Jersey town from celebrating Colombian Independence Day.

Every year on July 20, Colombians celebrate their country’s freedom from Spanish rule with parades, concerts, and cultural events. Since 1985, Beatriz Villada has followed suit by throwing the biggest party in Dover.

Villada is one of the founders of Club Colombia, the cultural hub that draws roughly 10,000 people to Dover each year to dance, sing, eat, drink, and connect.

“My father brought us from Medellín to the U.S. in 1975. It was culture shock when we arrived in New York,” Villada says. “A friend of his told him to move us to Boonton. It was quiet and lovely. I still live there, but we always went to Dover to buy our Colombian groceries. Dover is special.”

Four years after she came to America, Villada and some friends created a place that could feel just as welcoming, even if it didn’t have a building. They called it Club Colombia, though it welcomed other Latinos from countries such as Chile, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. 

“We had a group of founding members – Guillermo Ortiz, America Palta, and Lalo Marquez,” she says. “We rotated our meetings in the homes, shared our meals, and planned. We would hold dances in the Legion hall in Whippany to raise money for a building.” Within five years, the membership grew enough that the club could buy its own building.

“In 1984, we bought the building at 11 E. Blackwell St.,” Villada says, “and we became the only Colombian organization to own its own building. It helped us follow our mission of helping new immigrants learn English and get immersed in the American system without losing track of their roots.”

A LEGACY OF SUPPORT

Villada, now retired from investment bank Bear Stearns, never married. She has served nine terms as Club Colombia president and has watched the building improve and the mission of the Club Colombia grow. “The building had issues, but we worked hard to fix it up,” Villada says. “Now it’s a beautiful banquet hall that serves many people with weddings, Sweet Sixteens, and other events.”

The events aren’t just celebrations with a purpose; the club members give back the money it raises to worthy causes. Club Colombia pledges every dollar it raises to fund scholarships, coat drives, backpack drives, help for struggling community members, or send disaster aid to countries in need. The festival, which filled the Crescent Field lot, was the idea of a past president, Silvio Marin. It launched in 1985 and, according to executive board member Jhon Grisales, continues to draw attendees from up and down the East Coast and the Midwest.

The festival features live Salsa and Merengue bands, dance music sets from local DJs, performances by Bri’LaFlor Dance Studio, Colombian food, drink, and goods. And dancing from just about everyone in the crowd.

“If you are with Colombian people, trust me, there will be a party,” he says. “We are proud of this event, but even prouder of our good work together.” 

Before heavy clouds and occasional showers could threaten the mood this year, the storm passed, and the revelers stayed upbeat throughout the seven-hour celebration.

“I cleared the skies, I did this,” President Yoni Pulgarin said with a laugh and shared bear hugs as the party picked up energy. 

Maria Isava, the Dean of the School of Health Professions and Natural Sciences at County College of Morris, was among those supporting the CCM booth. She has also volunteered at the Morris County Office of Hispanic Affairs for more than a decade.

“My dad came here from Colombia in the late 1970s, searching for better opportunities,” she said. “He had a third-grade education and worked so hard to support us. He did many things and eventually became a janitor at the Morris County Vo-Tech in Denville. His hard work made it possible for me to build my life. This wonderful celebration makes me think of him and our roots.”

Dover resident Oscar Sereno was proud to celebrate the Colombian influence on Salsa and Merengue – and his life.

“You really like this music?” he asks of a newcomer. “Some of it is quieter, and much is high energy. But it’s all great. If you pay attention, you can hear that what is played in New Jersey sounds different from what they play near the beach, and definitely down in Miami. Any music is better when Colombian musicians play it.”

The music and Colombian vibes prompted Sereno to reflect on his life.

“I came from Colombia to Queens. I did it myself, went to college, and studied computer science,” he says. “I came to Dover for a visit and stayed. I’ve been here for 43 years. I raised my family here, and I am proud of the life we built. Now I am ready to retire.” 

EYE ON THE FUTURE

CCM student Kimberly Quiceno, born and raised in Morristown, never misses the event – or the chance to share her proud Colombian heritage, especially in this place, 12 miles northwest of her home.

“I feel connected to Dover,” she says. I feel connected to the culture and values. I’ve been coming here with my family since I was a baby. This town feels more inclusive, which is so important to me.”

Quiceno says her commitment to these traits inspired her to change her major from psychology to social work. “I want to put people first, to make a difference in the community. Psychology is important, but social work puts compassion into practice. I want to help people that most communities don’t think about.” 

That attitude should be Salsa to Villada’s ears. The club has 83 family members, the youngest in their 40s. “We are always looking for new ways to bring young people into Club Colombia,” she says. “They love to watch soccer, so we got a giant TV. They come to the festival to party, but they’re still very American, too…”

Grisales holds out hope for the next wave of members.

“Maybe one day in the future, they will pick up for their parents and carry on the mission,” he says. “All it takes is a few young people to want to keep the culture alive.” 

In other words, people like Beatriz Villada.

“I am very strong about Club Colombia,” Villada says. “My mentality is, ‘the club before anything else.’”