Barranquilla: foundation, architecture, costumes and people.

3. Without any formal foundation, Barranquilla was a
result of a spontaneous settlement. Around 1627 it
consolidated as a steady population center, but it
would only reach its real economic and urban
importance until the second half of the XIX
century, when it became the central epicenter of
Colombian foreign commerce, due to its consolidation
as the country’s first maritime and river port. From
this point forward, its population, urban, industrial
and commercial development was outstanding, which
made it one of the four most important cities of the
nation during the XX century, status it still currently
has.

4. Barranquilla
borders at the
north with the
Mallorquín swam
and the Caribbean
Sea; east and
southeast by the
Magdalena river
and by a complex
net of spouts. It’s
best described in
the lyrics of the
city’s anthem: it’s a
city “surrounded by
water”.

5. Since
2002, Barranquilla is
divided into 5 main
localities: North –
Center
Historic, Riomar, Sou
thwest, Southeast
and
Metropolitan, each
of them has a major
and a local
administrative
board.

7. Barranquilla’s architectural identity and urban landscape,
was only defined near the end of the year 1900 and during
the first three decades of the XX century. Such stage agreed
with the last splendors of what was know as the Republican
style in Colombia, of which the city posses numerous and
outstanding examples, represented in the most majestic
buildings located all over the historic downtown and in the El
Prado neighborhood. Later on, diverse architectonical styles
appeared.
But it was Art Deco the next notable trend in urban
physiognomy. Years after, around the XX century, the
modern movement started leaving a trail in the city.
In this new millennium, projecting itself with contemporary
physiognomy and a futuristic vision, Barranquilla seems to
edit itself into a second urban revolution.

8. Barranquilla’s population
belongs in general to the
characteristic human group
of the Colombian Caribbean.
With a strong presence of the
descendants of multiple
European and Middle East
immigrant communities, as
well as others that came
across from our regional
surroundings as well as the
inner regions of the country.
Barranquilla’s people are
thus, open
minded, hospitable and
cosmopolite.

9. Shakira, Sofia Vergara, Nina
Garcia, Edgar Renteria, Silvia
Tscherassi, Joe Arroyo, Gabriel Garcia
Marquez, and many artists and people
who were born or who lived in this city
are the most famous exponents of the
fruits that are cultivated and produced
in this fertile creative territory that is
Barranquilla. Result of this blend of
races that is also a characteristic brand
of the city.

10. Barranquilla’s Carnival is the
popular party by excellence, not
only of the Caribbean but also
of all Colombia. It’s home to
uninterrupted tradition of
almost two centuries. It is one
of the most inclusive and
coexistence spaces in Latin
American during which the
entire city and its thousands of
visitors convert themselves, as a
result of pure magic, into the
main characters and spectators
at the same time of the
contagious collective joy.