Today, Barranquilla, the “Golden Gate of Colombia”, celebrates its 212th anniversary since it was officially established as a town on April, 7, 1813. This date is not only a historical milestone but also an opportunity to honor the vibrant and resilient spirit of one of the happiest cities on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Known worldwide for its Carnival, its music, its warmth, and for being the birthplace of great talents like Shakira, Edgar Rentería, Sofía Vergara, and Joe Arroyo, Barranquilla proudly represents the best of the Colombian Caribbean: a blend of cultures, flavors, sounds, and colors that make it truly unique.
Barranquilla celebrates 212 years of a joyful people with a Caribbean heart
The joy of the people of Barranquilla is their most distinctive trait. Their spontaneous and festive way of living is felt in every corner of the city—from the kindness with which they welcome visitors to the music that plays on every street. The human warmth is as strong as the sun that shines over its avenues. Regardless of the season, there is always a reason to celebrate: a party, a goal by the national soccer team, a national holiday, or, like today, the birthday of their beloved city.
This festive spirit is deeply enriched by a cultural identity full of traditions and artistic expressions. Dance, music, popular theater, and colorful costumes are part of the Barranquillero DNA. The Carnival of Barranquilla, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is just one example of the immense collective creativity that defines the city.
How do Barranquilla’s people commemorate the city’s anniversary?
@alcaldiabquilla ¡Llegó abril, nuestro mes! El mes para celebrar con orgullo de vivir en una ciudad que siempre nos sorprende y enamora todos los días. Gracias por todo lo que nos has dado, Barranquilla. 🌇💛 #212BAQ ♬ sonido original – Alcaldía de Barranquilla
Barranquilla’s anniversary never goes unnoticed. Local authorities, along with cultural institutions, schools, universities, and citizens, organize multiple commemorative events that reflect their love for the city. Parades, dance troupes, folkloric showcases, free concerts, and official ceremonies are all part of the agenda to celebrate 212 years of history.
In schools, students take part in educational activities where they learn about the city’s origins, its role in the nation’s history, and its evolution into an industrial and cultural hub of the Caribbean. In neighborhoods, residents come together to beautify their surroundings, hang flags, and share a good meal to the rhythm of cumbia and mapale.
This year, the main event of the celebration will take place at the Gran Malecón del Río, one of the most ambitious and iconic projects of modern-day Barranquilla. There, cultural, sporting, and musical activities will be held, along with a large stage where local artists will pay tribute to the city. The day will end with a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the skies of “La Arenosa.”
Additionally, this Saturday, April 12, a free concert will be held at Plaza de la Paz starting at 4:00 p.m. to commemorate the city’s birthday. This musical tribute will be led by maestro Chelito de Castro, accompanied by a Big Band and well-known artists such as Hansel y Raul, Elder Dayan, Lil Silvio y El Vega, and Peter Manjarres.
Barranquilla today
Over the course of these 212 years, Barranquilla has proven to be a resilient city, one that knows how to rise to challenges and reinvent itself time and time again. From a small settlement along the Magdalena River, it became the country’s main port in the 19th century and later solidified its status as a national center for commerce, industry, and culture.
Today, Barranquilla is committed to sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. Its urban transformation serves as a model for other cities in the country: the recovery of public spaces, parks, green corridors, and its focus on clean energy position it as a city of the future.