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On 8 July 1801, Alexander von Humboldt and Aime Bonpland arrived in Bogota. They were welcomed by a large parade that escorted them from the edges of the city to the house of Jose Celestino Mutis, director of the Royal Botanical Expedition of the New Kingdom of Granada and the first promoter of natural philosophy in this kingdom. This essay explores two main ideas from the perspective of political symbolism. First, the author argues that this magnificent welcome was a sign of respect and admiration for the German scientist, while at the same time serving as an opportunity for New Granada's educated Creoles to publicly call attention to their importance and prestige. Second, the author explores Humboldt's thoughts about the Creoles' social attitudes and the colony's potential emancipation from Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]