~The information and pictures were sent to us by Jose Guillermo Jaramillo.
Willys Jeeps were first introduced in Colombia in 1946 following WWII, the US Army had surplus Jeeps and parts so they began distributing them to developing countries. The term Yipao came from the mispronouncing of the word Jeep. Colombia has a largely mountainous topography and prior to the introduction of the Jeep the main transportation was mules. The Jeeps versatile nature allowed the people to use it for many uses such as transporting agricultural produce, people, and also household items. In areas where there was no electricity the PTO or winch was able to provide power for multiple agricultural purposes. The PTO’s powered water pumps, power plants, and distributors of coffee which was indispensable in the daily work of the farm. In short the Jeep became a cultural icon for Colombia.
The Yipao parade is celebrated during June both in Armenia and Calarcá, Quindío. The first edition of the parade was organized by Mrs Joan Jaramillo, headmistress of protocol of the Quindio Governor’s office in 1988. The event has several categories separated according to the products carried in the vehicles:
- Agricultural products
- Coffee
- Furniture
- People
- Institutional advertisement
The Willys Jeeps are driven by the main streets of the city and the Jeeps with the largest amount of objects carried and the most harmonious arrangements earn prizes.
In February 2006, a Guinness World Records was established the for the “Longest Jeep Parade” in Calarca, with a caravan of over 370 Jeep Willys vehicles.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Jose Guillermo Jaramillo
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I invite all jeep lovers to enjoy this festival and many more things that Colombia has for the next festivals in different cities such as In the city of Cali (Feria de Cali 25-30 December). Medellín (flower fair first week of August 6-15) where all kinds of willys participate and the most emblematic one in Armenia and the coffee zone (yipao parade … March 23, 2021) we are waiting for you, I am Fabián Ledesma, I live in NJ, write to me Email Fabián069 @ hotmail .com to find us and enjoy the passion of jeeps
I invite all jeep lovers to enjoy this festival and many more things that Colombia has for the next festivals in different cities such as In the city of Cali (Feria de Cali 25-30 December). Medellín (flower fair first week of August 6-15) where all kinds of willys participate and the most emblematic one in Armenia and the coffee zone (yipao parade … March 23, 2021) we are waiting for you, I am Fabián Ledesma, I live in NJ, write to me Email Fabián069 @ hotmail .com to find us and enjoy the passion of jeeps
Soy colombiano y vivo en el eje cafetero en la ciudad de Pereira, Gracias kaiserwillys por dedicar estas líneas a una historia tan relevante para nuestro país…definitivamente los jeep como patrimonio cultural han sido serán y seguirán siendo parte del diario vivir de nuestra nación.
I am Colombian and I live in the coffee region, in the city of Pereira, Thank you kaiserwillys for dedicating these lines to a story so relevant to our country… definitely jeeps as a cultural heritage have been and will continue to be part of the daily life of our nation
Hi James, go to the weatherseal section on the kaiserwillys.com site and choose the Jeepster Commando vehicle option and it will list all weather seals available for you. Have a great day and let us know if you have any other questions!
Great Pictures and very nice Story. I agree with Alex Lugo, best Car ever made in US Car History. I owned my first Willys 40 Years ago and still have it besides the second best ever made…….my TJ Rubicon.
I had a top like that that I bought from california but can’t remember exactly where anymore. Problem is that my step-son stole it and I don’t ven have it for finishing my jeep. If you find a place to buy one would you please let me know. Thanks, Sean
I live in NY but I am from Colombia. I invite to all of you to enjoy this spectacular show. You will see the willy ‘s capacity and you will be more in love of this.
Those poor willys, someone is trying to break their backs.
Wow very good is jeep Willys strong and pretty.
I’m from Colombia and this jeeps are one Badass car they can do anything like the pics show they are able to carry lots of weight on roads full of mud maybe is the best car made in USA history
I live in Montañita, Sta Elena Ecuador and have a 1968 Willys Jeepster Commando. I need some interior parts for my Willys such as rubber seals around the wing windows, windows and doors as well as windshield visors. These parts are unavailable in Ecuador and would appreciate any help available to locate these parts whereever they may be..
ciao, James
Very fun! I would like to purchase a canvas top as pictured on some of the Jeeps. Anyone know where? They look durable and inexpensive.
Very fun!
I would like to buy a top for my CJ 3A. Some of the tops pictured look very nice, and inexpensive.
Best Jeep story yet! I’ve been a jeeper for 44 years (1984 CJ, and 1959 truck).