Pereira

Pereira was founded on August 30, 1863, by Remigio Antonio Cañarte and several other settlers from the nearby region of Antioquia. It was named in honor of Francisco Pereira Martínez, a prominent member of the founding party. The city was developed on the ruins of the indigenous village of Cartago Viejo, which had been destroyed in the colonial period. Pereira quickly grew as a center for agriculture, particularly coffee cultivation, contributing significantly to the economic development in the region.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty, also known as the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza, was inaugurated on May 1, 1884. It serves as the main church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pereira. The cathedral is well-known for its beautiful architecture, featuring a brick-and-mortar facade and intricate designs. It is a significant landmark in Pereira, both religiously and culturally. The cathedral has undergone several renovations throughout the years, maintaining its position as a central place of worship for the community.

Matecaña International Airport, located in Pereira, opened to the public in February 1926. It was designed to facilitate transportation and economic growth in the region. Over the years, the airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions to accommodate the increasing passenger and cargo traffic. Serving as a hub for coffee exportation and tourism, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting Pereira domestically and internationally. It is one of Colombia's key airports, providing access to many destinations worldwide.

Risaralda, with Pereira as its capital, was officially created as a separate department in Colombia on January 9, 1967. The department was formed from territory that previously belonged to Caldas. Its creation was aimed at administrative decentralization and fostering economic development in the region. Pereira, as the department capital, has since become a major economic, cultural, and educational center in Colombia. The establishment of Risaralda has brought significant infrastructure and social investments, benefitting its population.

In 1963, Pereira celebrated the centennial of its founding. The 100th-anniversary celebrations were marked by a series of events, including parades, cultural exhibitions, and public concerts. These festivities were intended to showcase Pereira's growth from a small settlement into a bustling urban center. The city also received several infrastructure improvements, such as roads and public buildings, during this period to commemorate the milestone. The centennial highlighted Pereira's resilience and ambition.

The Technological University of Pereira (Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira) was founded in March 1995. This public university was established to promote higher education and technological development in the region. It offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. The university has become an important center for research and innovation, contributing significantly to the educational landscape of Pereira and attracting students from across Colombia.

On November 14, 2006, the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, including Pereira as part of this region, received recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The recognition highlights the unique interaction between the natural environment and coffee cultivation over the centuries. This region is known for its stunning landscapes and traditional coffee farms, which have contributed to Colombia's reputation as a coffee powerhouse. The UNESCO designation has helped bolster tourism and preserve cultural heritage.

On August 19, 2015, the Matecaña International Airport in Pereira underwent a major modernization project. This renovation included the expansion of the terminal, the addition of new facilities, and an upgrade of the air traffic control systems. The project aimed to accommodate the growing number of passengers and improve the airport's capacity to handle international flights. The modernization is part of broader efforts to enhance Pereira's connectivity and support tourism and commerce.

The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct was inaugurated on October 13, 2017, and it is one of the most significant infrastructural projects in Pereira. Named after a former president of Colombia, the viaduct connects Pereira to the neighboring city of Dosquebradas. It plays a crucial role in easing traffic congestion and improving transportation efficiency in the area. The bridge, which spans over the Otún River, is noted for its engineering excellence and has become a landmark in the region.

In 2019, Deportivo Pereira, the city's primary soccer team, won the Colombian Primera B championship. This victory was a significant achievement for the club, securing their promotion to the top tier of Colombian football. The win brought immense pride to the residents of Pereira, as it marked the team's successful comeback after several challenging years. Celebrations erupted throughout the city, with fans and locals gathering to commemorate the historic achievement in what was a major sporting event for the community.