Santa Marta, Colombia (English)

Santa Marta is a historic and touristic city located on the northern coast of Colombia, along the Caribbean Sea and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world. Founded in 1525, it is the oldest city in Colombia and one of the oldest in South America. Santa Marta is known for its natural beauty, paradise-like beaches, and rich cultural and historical heritage.

History:
Santa Marta was founded on July 29, 1525, by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas, making it the oldest city in Colombia and the second oldest in South America. During colonial times, it was an important port for exporting products like gold and emeralds. The city also holds deep historical significance as the place where Simón Bolívar, the Liberator of South America, spent his final days in 1830, at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.

Folklore, Culture, and Traditions:
Santa Marta's folklore is deeply influenced by its Indigenous, African, and Spanish roots. Cumbia, vallenato, and champeta are musical genres that reflect the cultural blend of the region. Samarian traditions are vividly experienced in its religious festivities and the preservation of its history and legends.

 

Festivals and Celebrations:

• Fiestas del Mar (Sea Festivals): Held annually in July, these festivals celebrate Santa Marta's connection to the sea, featuring parades, nautical competitions, concerts, and the selection of the Queen of the Sea.
• Mar de Acordeones Vallenato Festival: An event that celebrates vallenato, the most representative musical genre of the region, with competitions and performances by top artists.
• Holy Week: Santa Marta is a significant destination for religious tourism during Holy Week, with processions and ceremonies that attract thousands of devotees.

 

Important Sites:

• Tayrona National Natural Park: One of Santa Marta's main attractions, famous for its beaches, biodiversity, and the archaeological ruins of the Tayrona culture.
• Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: The historic estate where Simón Bolívar spent his final days, now a museum.
• Santa Marta Cathedral Basilica: The oldest cathedral in Colombia, housing important historical relics.
• Playa Blanca and El Rodadero: Two of Santa Marta's most famous beaches, known for their crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
• Pueblito: An archaeological site in Tayrona Park that was an important settlement of the Tayrona culture.