photo by The Futuristics (via Flickr)
Consider including Santa Marta's Fiestas del Mar in your Colombian tour plan. Santa Marta, the capital of the department of Magdalena, and the oldest city in Colombia, was founded on July 29, 1525 by Spanish Conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas. Situated along a lush bay, this jewel of Colombia is blessed with views of the majestic snow-capped Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and rain forests that reach down to line the sandy beaches. While this tourist attraction has parties and festivals all year long, the most famous is the Fiestas del Mar – the Festival of the Sea.
photo by (via Wikimedia Commons)
photo by Les Memorables (via Flickr)
An anniversary celebration
Started in 1959 to commemorate the anniversary of the city's founding, this festival has grown continuously with a wide variety of activities designed to provide something for everyone. Typically beginning on the anniversary date of July 29th, the festival runs for four days of fun and sun. This annual celebration highlights the delights of the sea and Santa Marta's unique culture and heritage, and is a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Who doesn’t want to attend a non-stop beach party?
photo by (via Pixabay)
Entertainment for everyone
The slogan of the festival is, "Santa Marta, la magia de tenerlo todo" or "The Magic of Having it All." Fiestas del Mar really does offer the opportunity to have it all. The festivities within the city include several stages of live music, dancing, street fairs, and multiple parades. There are plenty of activities for all ages, including face painting and crafts for children. Be sure to add the annual beauty competition to your agenda, where the "International Queen of the Sea" is crowned. Aspiring models from around the world attend to compete for the title and tiara. On the beaches, you will find a variety of water sports, a regatta, and beach games. One of the "must see" activities is the Jet Ski Show, orchestrated by the Santa Marta Esqui. Prepared to be wowed by synchronized performances and aerial feats and tricks that will leave you breathless. With so many sights, sounds, and activities, it's hard to fit it all into four short days!
Nonstop natural wonders
Santa Marta is the perfect place to plot your next adventure. If you plan your visit around the festival of the sea, you should also make time for a little exploration of Santa Marta's other entertainments, like bird watching. The region is home to 635 different species of birds, with 36 of those being endemic to the region. Hiking more your thing? The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta rises a staggering 5,700 feet above sea level and offers majestic views of the region. Or try local cuisine at some of Santa Marta's restaurants and street fairs and let your inner foodie rejoice.
No visit to the coast would be complete without an aquatic adventure, and Uncharted Colombia's Tayrona Scuba Diving Day Trip is the perfect opportunity to explore the coastal waters of nearby Tayrona National Park. What adventure is calling your name? Colombia is waiting.