Colombia will present three new publications on the San Jose galleon, its scientific study, and the stories associated with this submerged cultural heritage at the Bogota International Book Fair (FILBo) 2026, which began this Tuesday, April 21, and will run through Monday, May 4, at the Colombian capital’s fairgrounds.
This well-known and controversial ship was a Spanish vessel sunk in 1708 off Cartagena de Indias, in the Colombian Caribbean, during a battle with British forces. It carried an enormous cargo of gold, silver, and emeralds. Its discovery in 2015 made it one of the most valuable and disputed underwater treasures in the world.
FILBo is celebrating its 38th edition this year, consolidating nearly four decades of history. The event brings together some 500 exhibitors from the publishing industry and draws thousands of participants, including authors, editors, and readers, in one of the most important cultural gatherings in Latin America.
Bogota Book Fair 2026: Colombia to present 3 books on the San Jose galleon
The presentation will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22, in the afternoon in Grand Hall E at the Corferias venue, in a space that will bring together experts and researchers linked to the scientific project on the shipwreck.
The works to be presented include the “Archaeological Management Plan for the San Jose Galleon Context,” the guiding document for the research carried out by the Colombian state, which contains the management model, strategic programs, and the archaeological characterization of the shipwreck.
“El hundimiento del galeon San Jose: carta y diario de a bordo” (The Sinking of the San Jose Galleon: Letter and Ship’s Log) by Pedro Garcia de Asarta will also be presented, a historical investigation based on period documents that recount the events that took place during the Battle of Barú in 1708 from the perspective of a direct witness.
The third publication, “El oro no flota: historias sumergidas del galeon San Jose” (Gold Does Not Float: Submerged Stories of the San Jose Galleon), is an illustrated work of fiction that recreates the historical context of the 18th century through stories inspired by the shipwreck.
The discussion will feature the participation of frigate captain Ángela Bibiana Buitrago, researcher Antonio Jaramillo Arango, and writer Andres Ospina.
In addition to this presentation, entities such as the Ministry of Cultures, the National Navy, the General Maritime Directorate (Dimar), and the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) have scheduled additional activities to broaden the discussion on the San Jose galleon and the progress of its scientific research.
Among these is the event “A Cup of History: Stories and Memories of the San Jose Galleon,” scheduled for April 24, as well as reflection sessions on the conservation of the shipwreck and talks with authors, which will take place as part of the fair.
The disputed treasure sunk 300 years ago
The San Jose galleon is considered one of the most valuable submerged treasures in history. Built at the end of the 17th century by the Spanish Crown, it was part of the Tierra Firme Fleet, responsible for transporting precious metals from the Americas to Europe. Its cargo, consisting of gold, silver, and emeralds from the Viceroyalty of Peru, made it a strategic target in times of war.
On June 8, 1708, in the midst of the War of the Spanish Succession, the galleon was sunk off the coast of Cartagena after an encounter with a British squadron. The explosion of its powder magazine sent it to the bottom of the sea along with much of its crew and a cargo whose value today is estimated in the billions of dollars.
For centuries, its location remained a mystery until, in 2015, the Colombian government announced the discovery of the wreck in Caribbean waters. The find was presented as a scientific and cultural milestone, although from the outset it was surrounded by controversy.
The debate over ownership of the galleon remains open. Spain claims rights over the ship as a state vessel, while Colombia maintains that the heritage found in its maritime territory belongs to it. This is compounded by claims from private companies that assert they participated in its location.
Beyond the dispute, the San Jose represents a valuable historical record of colonial trade and 18th-century imperial conflicts, as well as a challenge for the management of underwater cultural heritage in the contemporary world.
Hoy hacemos una pausa para escuchar lo esencial; el silencio como punto de encuentro entre palabras, emociones e ideas.
Porque leer también es escucharnos.
Porque el silencio le da peso a cada historia.Del 21 de abril al 4 de mayo en @CorferiasBogota
➡️https://t.co/wyO7Geqksd pic.twitter.com/tbev6evePX
— FeriadelLibroBogotá (@FILBogota) February 18, 2026