San Jacinto, Colombia, is a municipality located two hours from the city of Cartagena. Recognized for its musical tradition and its crafts, especially its hammocks, San Jacinto is known as “The Land of the Big Hammock.”
The municipality is famous for being the birthplace of great musicians and folkloric groups such as Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, who have contributed significantly to the musical culture of Colombia. Meanwhile, its artisans are celebrated for their handwoven “mochilas” (bags) which, like their hammocks, are crafted using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation. The region’s woven Vueltiao hats are similarly well renowned.
Musical tradition: the capital of the gaita
San Jacinto is considered the capital of the gaita, a musical instrument that represents the municipality and has gained recognition thanks to the group “Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto.” San Jacinto is also the birthplace of great Vallenato minstrels, musicians who travel through different regions of the Caribbean coast mounted on a mule and carrying an accordion on their shoulders. Through their Vallenato melodies, they express their feelings and affection for their homeland. One of the most notable was the late Adolfo Pacheco.
Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Colombia
The rhythms of the gaita – a traditional wind instrument played in Colombia for centuries – have crossed borders thanks to the music group “Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto.” They use gaitas, maracas, and drums to preserve the musical tradition inherited from indigenous, African, and Spanish mixed communities. This group was founded in 1954 and led by Antonio “Toño” Fernandez. In 2007, Los Gaiteros won a Latin Grammy for Best Folk Album for their album “Un Fuego de Sangre Pura”. In 2008, they were recognized at the Premios Nuestra Tierra in the Traditional Folklore category. There, they were named Best Folk Interpretation of the Year, again for “Un Fuego de Sangre Pura,” as well as Best Solo or Group Folk Artist of the Year.
Adolfo Pacheco
Adolfo Pacheco began his musical career at an early age, inspired by his grandparents. He became one of the great composers of Colombia’s famed Vallenato music, gaining recognition thanks to compositions such as “La Hamaca Grande,” “El Machuelo,” “El Viejo Miguel,” “El Cordobés,” “El Pintor,” and “Me Rindo Majestad.”
Handicrafts: from hammocks to hats
San Jacinto is considered one of the first artisanal centers of Colombia’s Atlantic Coast. The flagship product of the municipality is the handwoven hammock. Each hammock is a work of art, where every thread reflects the passion the artisans have for their work.
In addition to hammocks, other celebrated products include handwoven mochilas and braided Vueltiao hats made from caña flecha, a type of cane that grows in the region. There are two types of hats: the 15-turn Vueltiao hat and the 19-turn Vueltiao hat. Each turn, or band, woven into these hats increases their complexity and the beauty of the weaving, making them a cultural symbol and showcasing the talent and dedication of the artisans.