In 1828, in Bogotá, they tried to assassinate the Liberator at a costume ball.

Published at: 10/08/2025 09:54 AM

On August 10, 1828, there was an attempt against the Liberator Simon Bolivar in Bogotá, during which one of the 12 involved in the act was Francisco de Paula Santander.

To date, the Municipality of Bogotá organized a dance in honor of the Liberator for the anniversary of the victory of the Battle of Boyacá. It was early morning at the Teatro Coliseo, the masks and costumes were part of the celebration, which was very advantageous for the traitors to be able to carry out the action against the man who gave them independence.

A man disguised as a Spanish conqueror was the one who carried a dagger to attack the Liberator, but he leaves the party unexpectedly when he sees that Manuela Sáenz was wearing an undignified costume and a disrespectful attitude that displeased the Father of the Fatherland.

Sáenz didn't have time to inform Bolívar of the Bogotans' intentions, however, knowing his love very well, who didn't like being badly dressed anywhere, it was the perfect strategy to get him out of the party and thus save him.

There were 20 official attacks against Simón Bolívar, although many attempts have not and will not be able to defeat the emancipatory thinking that continues to wage the battle.

Mazo News Team