A huge city, in which for four days each year citizens drop all responsibilities and throw themselves into the whirl of carnival fun. Among high, modern buildings there are plenty of cosy, one-storey houses. This is Barranquilla – the city of contrasts and exquisite food.
This Colombian city by the Caribbean Sea is one of the biggest in the country. Even though it was granted charter in 1813, there are notes claiming that Indians lived there already in 1533. The city’s port with time has become one of the destinations for immigrants from Europe, especially during world wars. Thanks to marine trading, the city got nicknamed the Golden Gate of Colombia.
You will get to know this region best, if you start your visit from Museo del Caribe. You will see house tools and equipment of ancient folks inhabiting that region, get to know history of European conquests and see what animals live on the bottom of the ocean. You will hear local music and learn about culture of this place.
The city is known for good amusement. This is where the Carnival de Barranquilla takes place, one of the most important folk feast in the country, which roots go back to the 19th century. Celebrations start four days before the Holy Week. From Sunday to Wednesday the city is paralyzed. Crowds go out on the streets to dance, sing and admire colourful processions. The Carnival of Barranquilla is on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Cuisine of Barranquilla is a mix of tastes of the whole world. Dominating is Creole cuisine, but there are also dishes of Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, French, Italian and Spanish cuisines. Characteristic for Colombia fast food bar is called frutería, a place where deep fried snacks are served with freshly squeezed out juices. You can find them on every corner street. If you step by Los Compadres, make sure to try empanadas – pies filled with beef, chicken or cheese or papas rellanas, which are balls from potatoes with beef filling. Of course everything is fried. Luckily, the neighbourhood of the Atlantic Ocean and a river means that lovers of fish won’t be hungry. The choice is vast.
