Cartagena Culture & Events
Jewell of the Caribbean, Cartagena is coming into its own as a destination for international travelers. With its historic Spanish colonial architecture, exquisite restaurants, and pulse-raising tropical nightlife, Cartagena will create memories to last a lifetime.
Cartagena Old City
Enjoy a walk on top of the walls surrounding the Old City center. Stop at one of the restaurants overlooking the bay on to and soak in a sunset. Browse among the many designer boutique shops that are contained within and get lost in the past amongst the cobblestone streets and classic architecture. If you want to bring home something local, make sure to check out the shops that have set up in Las Bovedas, converted from their original use as a munitions storage area and then a jail.
Historical Treats
History is dripping from the walls here, but there are a few places not to be missed when in Cartagena. Make sure to take a tour of Castillo San Felipe (San Felipe Castle), a large fort built to guard the entrance to the bay from pirate invaders. Visit the Cathedral San Pedro de Claver and learn more about the role of the slave trade and Cartagena's role in this time. For a short hike and a spectacular panoramic view of the city, head over to La Popa Hill, where you can visit the 17th century Santa Cruz Monastery.
Day Trips
While in Cartagena, a boat-ride out to Islas Rosarios (Rosary Islands), a national park among an archipelago just offshore will give you the sun, beach, and fun that no trip should go without. Go scuba diving, visit the aquarium, or simply relax at one of the many white-sand beaches and treat yourself to a freshly made jugo (juice).
Nightlife
Begin the evening with a meal in one of the many open air plazas, where you can enjoy live music and dancing performances by various local performing groups. When you're ready to head out, you can stay local within the Old City and visit one of the many clubs overlooking the Clock Tower Square. Or, head out to Getsemaní, and dance the night away at one of the waterfront discos. There are plenty more clubs to be found in Bocagrande, so if you're staying in one of the modern hotels over there, there is plenty to do close by.
Calendar of Events
January: Ultramar - 5-day Electronic and Dance festival held at the beginning of January for those who love to dance all night.Hay Festival - Literature and Ideas Fair showcasing modern thought leaders from all over the world.
February/March: International Film Festival - Literature and Ideas Fair showcasing modern thought leaders from all over the world.
March/April: Semana Santa - With processions and pageantry, Easter week is always a good time in Latin America.
Beyond these regular events, Cartagena is becoming a destination for conventions for organizations world-wide. On any given week you can find marketing, surgical, textiles, or banking conventions networking, learning, and enjoying what Cartagena has to offer.
