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Remembering Totó La Momposina, the Voice of Colombia’s Caribbean Soul

By Richard Emblin - May 19, 2026

When One Hundred Years of Solitude author Gabriel García Márquez accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature in Stockholm in 1982, Colombia arrived with him — not only in prose, but in rhythm, drumbeat and dance. Among the delegation of more than 200 Colombian musicians and artists who traveled to Sweden was a barefoot singer from […]

Mompox: Colonial masterpiece at the heart of imagination

By Richard Emblin - April 13, 2018

The colonial town of Mompox on the Magdalena River was at the epicenter of Simón Bolívar’s Independence campaign and a place where imagination runs wild.

Gallery: “Semana Santica” in Mompox

By Richard Emblin - March 19, 2018

Before the start of Holy Week across Colombia, the colonial town on Mompox celebrates Semana Santico, a week-long religious festival in which children lead the processions.

Taking the slow boat up the Magdalena River

By Stephen Hide - August 11, 2017

Even though Mompox will be connected to the rest of Colombia by bridge, the preferred means of getting to this colonial town is riding a time-tested ferry.

Far from ‘Business as usual’

By Richard McColl - April 9, 2015

Arbitrary increases in property taxation in many parts of Colombia could have severe implications for those who try and preserve heritage homes.

A meeting in Mompós

By Richard McColl - February 17, 2014

Colombians have been let in on the secret that is Mompós. More visible and accessible, Richard McColl writes of his colonial muse.

My best, exotic Mompós

By Richard McColl - April 20, 2013

The rhythms of colonial Mompós seem from a different era, particularly for a foreigner running a guest house.

Semana Santa in the Colombian town of Mompox.

Mompox: saints, sinners and masons

By Richard McColl - March 7, 2013

An austere Semana Santa contrasts with pagan traditions and colorful history in the legendary Magdalena town of Mompox.

Voice of Colombia

By Ed Buckley - January 3, 2013

One of Colombia’s most recognized musicians, Totó la Momposina is a link between the nation’s cultural past and future.

Restoring Mompós

By Richard McColl - November 1, 2012

Renovations in this important historical town have generated controversy regarding just how much to change from the past.