At around 10 a.m. in Bogotá, a day that united Colombia began. Adults and young people walked through the center of the capital of the country, at the foot of the eastern hills with a feeling of euphoria and happiness. They arrived at the Plaza de Bolivar, where Gustavo Petro Urrego was sworn in as president.

The event featured several live cultural activities with singers, poets and dancers from all regions of the country. They were distributed in strategic and crowded points of the center, in six stages, plus the main one that was located in the Plaza de Bolivar. 

Among the most awaited comparsas of the day, the "Negros y Blancos" stood out before the inauguration. It represented one of the most traditional popular festivities in the country and is celebrated in the first week of January in Pasto, a city in the south of the country.

The Indigenous minga was also present in a victory party celebrated by Colombians.

More than 7,000 people gathered in the Bolivar square, a few hours before the new president arrived.

Around 2:00 p.m., Vice President Francia Márquez arrived at the inauguration ceremony and in the middle of the crowd, the cry of hope of "Yes we could" could be heard, with tears on the faces of those who also donned tricolor flag on their backs.

The invited presidents arrived in the same order. One of the most enthusiastically received was President Gabriel Boric, from Chile, and his name echoed throughout the plaza.

After 3:00 p.m., Petro arrived with his wife and children. The audience waited for hours for this moment, and it lived up to all the hype.

After his arrival and greetings, the national anthem was sung by the voices of thousands of Colombians. 

Afterwards and after giving an emotional presentation, the president of the Congress, Roy Barreras, swore Petro in as the new president of the Republic of Colombia. The sash was placed on his shoulders by Maria Jose Pizarro, senator and daughter of Carlos Pizarro, former M19 guerrilla and former presidential candidate assassinated in 1990.

Those attending the historic event experienced one of the most emotional moments when Petro swore in Francia Márquez as vice president. In the different squares there was jubilation for accomplishing such a feat, which for many is the end of a loneliness that lasted 100 years, like the masterpiece of Gabriel García Márquez.

At the end of the day was the departure of the now former president Iván Duque, who gave his last parade in the Plaza de Armas accompanied by his family. It took place amid boos and whistles. 

It was lived with tranquility and in peace as those present felt the happiness and hope of a future that promises a "change for life." A change that Colombians yearn for.