Riohacha celebrates 481 years with cultural festivals

The city of Riohacha celebrated its 481st anniversary with a Te Deum service at the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and the hosting of the Festival Río de La Hacha, an integration event for residents of the Barrio Arriba neighborhood.

The celebrations highlighted the city's history, including the 1971 song ‘Riohacha’ by Lenin Bueno Suárez, recorded by Ismael Rudas. Historical records note that in 1535, Jorge Spira ordered Nicolás de Federmann to attempt to found a city named ‘ULM’ near Cabo de La Vela to exploit pearl banks, though the attempt failed due to the inhospitable environment. This led to the establishment of settlements such as Ranchería and later Santa María de los Remedios.