Cartagena On My Mind

There’s something about Cartagena that stirs the soul and stays with you long after you’ve left. Maybe it’s the way the air hums with energy, the streets pulse with stories, or the way the Caribbean sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of fire and gold. As I prepare to return to this magical city for my February birthday, I find myself drawn again to its unapologetic embrace of history, its vibrant culture, and the warm spirit of its people.
The People: The Heartbeat of CartagenaIn Cartagena, you’ll meet a tapestry of humanity—a blend of Black and Brown faces, descendants of African slaves, Spanish settlers, and Indigenous people. What captivates me most is the people’s pride in their heritage. They have taken a painful history of colonization and slavery and transformed it into a rich cultural mosaic that bursts with life. Cartagena’s story is one of resilience, resistance, and rebirth, and its people embody that spirit in everything they do—from the way they dance to the way they welcome travelers into their world.
The Walled City: A Living MuseumThe crown jewel of Cartagena is its Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage site where every cobblestone whispers secrets of the past. Strolling through its streets feels like stepping into a painting. Colonial architecture with colorful facades stretches toward the sky, adorned with lush bougainvillea spilling over balconies. By day, the city is a photographer’s dream; by night, it transforms into a lively carnival of music, laughter, and light.
Getsemaní: The Soul of the CityGetsemaní, once a working-class neighborhood, has become a vibrant cultural hub without losing its roots. This is the heart of Cartagena’s Afro-Colombian history, where enslaved Africans once lived and resisted. Today, its streets are alive with murals that celebrate freedom, heritage, and hope. Here, you can sip on a fresh limeade in Plaza Trinidad, listen to the beat of street musicians, and feel the weight of history woven into the neighborhood’s spirit.
A City Built on FlavorThe best way to understand a culture is through its food, and Cartagena is a culinary treasure trove. Every meal is a sensory adventure—fresh seafood like ceviche kissed by citrus and heat, arepas de huevo (fried corn cakes stuffed with egg), and sweet cocadas (coconut candies) sold by palenqueras in bright dresses. These women, descendants of freed slaves, are as much a part of the city’s story as the walls that enclose it.
History on Every CornerCartagena’s role in the transatlantic slave trade makes it a vital chapter in Black history. As one of the principal slave ports of the Americas, the city became a hub of both oppression and resistance. The nearby village of San Basilio de Palenque, founded by escaped slaves, remains a testament to that resistance and is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The Magic of SunsetIf I had to pick one moment to capture Cartagena’s essence, it would be watching the sunset from the walls of the old city. With a glass of wine in one hand and a piece of chocolate in the other, the world seems to pause. The sun sinks into the sea, casting its golden glow over a city that has seen centuries of change yet remains timeless.
Adventure AwaitsWhether you’re speeding across the bay on a sunset cruise, exploring the art-filled streets of Getsemaní, or lounging on the white sands of Playa Blanca, Cartagena offers something for every kind of traveler. For me, the ultimate joy is simply being present in its rhythm—joining the parade of tourists and locals walking the streets, marveling at street performers, and soaking up the music that seems to flow endlessly through the air.
Why I Love CartagenaCartagena is more than a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s a place where the past and present coexist in harmony, where the struggles of history are honored, and where every sunset feels like a gift. The city’s resilience, its unapologetic celebration of its culture, and the warmth of its people remind me of the beauty of humanity.
This February, as I celebrate another year of life, I’ll raise a toast to Cartagena—a city that has taught me to celebrate life in all its messy, beautiful glory. Come for the beaches and the food, but stay for the stories. You’ll leave with a piece of Cartagena in your heart.