As Santa Marta, the oldest city in South America, prepares to celebrate its 500th anniversary, a growing controversy is stirring tensions between local leaders and the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge. A recent statement by Minister Juan David Correa has drawn sharp criticism, sparking a public outcry over what many see as the government’s lack of commitment to marking this historic milestone. According to Correa “civilization did not enter through Santa Marta, nor was religion a benefit to the country, nor was the Spanish language a good thing for the country.”
The reaction from Santa Marta’s leaders was swift and intense. Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello condemned the minister’s comments, calling them “a grave disrespect towards our city, its history, and its people.” For Pinedo, this anniversary is more than a local affair—it is, he argued, “a milestone of national and international importance.”
In a meeting with local officials, Correa stated that the ministry would hold only a modest ceremony at the historic Quinta de Bolívar, leaving the city’s broader celebrations in the hands of local authorities. “If the mayor’s office and the people of Santa Marta want to celebrate Hispanic heritage, they are within their rights,” Correa remarked, a statement that was widely interpreted as a dismissal of the event’s importance.
Santa Marta, founded on July 29, 1525, is not only the country’s oldest city but also holds a symbolic place in Colombia’s colonial history. The city’s upcoming quincentenary, which was expected to be a moment of celebration and reflection, has instead been overshadowed by comments from the minister, who downplayed the significance of the event on a national scale.
Among the most vocal critics of Correa’s statement was the Academy of History of Magdalena, a respected institution dedicated to preserving the region’s heritage. The Academy, alongside other cultural and civic organizations, has urged the citizens of Santa Marta to unite in defense of the city’s historical legacy. “Civilization did not enter through Santa Marta,” the Academy declared in a statement, rejecting the idea that colonization should be romanticized. “There was conflict, colonization, and exploitation of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. These are realities we must confront, but they are not the only aspects of our history,” reads an official statement. The Academy emphasized the importance of honoring diverse cultures that have shaped the coastal city, including the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The minister’s remarks reflect a broader tension within Colombia as the country continues to grapple with its colonial legacy. In recent years, movements for decolonization and historical reflection have gained traction, particularly as Latin American nations reconsider the celebration of Hispanic heritage. Correa’s position aligns with a revisionist interpretation of historical events, and perspective that tows the line of the Gustavo Petro presidency.
Despite the government’s stance, lawmakers insist that the 500th anniversary of Santa Marta is a moment of both celebration and reflection. “We are not asking to ignore the difficult parts of our history,” said House Representative Hernando Guida. “But to diminish the significance of Santa Marta’s founding is to deny the role this city has played in shaping Colombia’s national identity.”
The Academy of History of Magdalena has announced plans for a large-scale exhibition at the Quinta de Bolívar, highlighting the city’s rich cultural tapestry, from its pre-colonial roots to its contemporary vibrancy. The event, they say, will focus on the contributions of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, offering a counter-narrative to traditional colonial histories.
Mayor Pinedo has called for the Ministry to reconsider its position, urging a more serious engagement with the anniversary. “This is not just about Santa Marta,” he said. “It’s about acknowledging the history of our entire country. To dismiss this moment is to dismiss the history of Colombia itself.”
