Constitution of Cúcuta

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Commemoration of the Constitution of Cúcuta

The Constitution of Cúcuta, also known as Constitution of the Greater Colombia and Constitution of 1821 was the founding document and constitution of the country of Greater Colombia, unifying New Granada (Colombia and Panama) and Venezuela. It was written during the Congress of Cúcuta on August 30 of 1821.

The Congress elected in Angostura reassembled in Cúcuta after the June 24, 1821 Battle of Carabobo, which gave independence to Venezuela. After liberating Caracas, Cartagena, Popayan and Santa Marta, on July 18, the Congress resumed efforts to draft a new Constitution to include the liberated regions. The final draft was approved on August 30, 1821 and expedited on July 12, 1822. The Constitution was structured into 10 chapters and 91 articles.

Historic church of Cúcuta, where the deputies of New Granada (Colombia) and Venezuela signed the Constitution

This is considered the first contitution of Colombia, and lasted until the dissolution of Greater Colombia in 1831.