Latest News

Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella Pledges a ‘Miracle Nation’

By María Claudia Peña - June 23, 2026

Standing behind a bulletproof screen beneath Barranquilla’s towering Ventana al Mundo monument, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella delivered a triumphant yet carefully choreographed victory speech Sunday night, promising to restore security, revive confidence in Colombia’s democratic institutions and govern for all Colombians after one of the closest presidential elections in the country’s modern history. Addressing […]

Colombia’s business sector gloomy of economic outlook under Petro

By Richard Emblin - September 30, 2024

Over 60% of Colombian business owners are contemplating relocating abroad due to economic instability under President Gustavo Petro, a Fenalco survey reveals. High interest rates, rising inflation, and security concerns have worsened the business climate, with leaders urging clearer economic policies for recovery.

Boat tragedy off Colombia claims life of experienced Swedish captain

By Richard Emblin - February 23, 2024

Experienced Swedish sea captain, Ulf Magnus Reslow, loses life in a tragic boat incident off the Colombian coast after unauthorized departure from Santa Marta, authorities investigating potential link to financial struggles after pirate attacks.

Carnaval de Barranquilla

Barranquilla stripped of hosting 2027 Pan American Games

By The City Paper Staff - January 4, 2024

Barranquilla loses hosting rights for the 2027 Pan American Games due to contract breaches, sparking controversy and first political storm of 2024 for Colombia’s Petro

Barranquilla tributes hometown Shakira with swaying bronze sculpture

By The City Paper Staff - December 27, 2023

The Colombian coastal city of Barranquilla has proudly unveiled a 6.5-meter (21.3-foot) statue along its main promenade honoring the internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Shakira.

Colombia rejects Petro in territorial elections turned plebiscite

By Richard Emblin - October 30, 2023

Bogotá voters gave centrist candidate Carlos Fernando Galán a decisive victory at the ballot. President Petro lost support and political allies in five major cities.

Volcano El Totumo Visitors

Muddy moments inside Cartagena’s Volcán el Totumo

By Richard Emblin - June 12, 2022

Between Cartagena and Barranquilla, tourists flock to a 12-meter-high volcano to wallow in a mud bath of minerals.

Barranquilla carnival launch cancelled with Omicron surge

By The City Paper Staff - January 13, 2022

The traditional Reading of the Sash that marks the start of Barranquilla’s carvival season has been cancelled due to rising cases of the Omicron variant.

Colombia starts COVID-19 boosters for persons age 50 and older

By The City Paper Staff - November 19, 2021

Colombia is expanding its vaccine roll-out to include third doses of the coronavirus vaccine to all persons age 50 and older. National Health Emergency extended another three months.

Colombia loses seat as Copa America 2021 co-host

By The City Paper Staff - May 22, 2021

Despite efforts by the Colombian government to postpone the football tournament to November, all Copa America matches will be played in Argentina.

What next for Bogotá as COVID-19 cases surge and quarantine ends?

By Richard Emblin - April 12, 2021

With 4.091 new cases of coronavirus in Bogotá on Sunday, the Colombian capital must find ways to curb a rapid increase in infections as quarantine fatigue sets in.

Bogotá enters lockdown as coronavirus claims 269 victims on Friday

By Richard Emblin - April 9, 2021

The daily deaths from coronavirus continue to increase in Colombia as the third wave of infection overwhelms ICU capacity in Medellín and Barranquilla.

Colombia marks grim mortality record as nation prepares for further economic reopening

By The City Paper Staff - June 25, 2020

Less than a week before Colombia embarks on further reopening of the economy, the country registered a grim daily milestone Thursday with 163 additional fatalities.

Colombia’s quarantine extends to July 15 as mortality from COVID-19 concentrates on coast

By Richard Emblin - June 23, 2020

Given social indiscipline with quarantine during the second bank holiday in June, President Duque announced “drastic measures” to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Coronavirus: Tragedy at the heart of Macondo

By Richard Emblin - June 16, 2020

The Colombian coast is among the regions most affected by coronavirus. Endemic corruption has exacerbated the public health crisis.

Barranquilla’s legendary Carnival ready to welcome the world

By María Claudia Peña - February 18, 2020

The country’s most famous fiesta is set to take to the streets and a four-day revelry that consumes Barranquilla.