Santa Marta celebrates 501st anniversary with cultural honors and development initiatives

The Colombian city of Santa Marta marked its 501st anniversary, emphasizing both its historic legacy and future development. Local leaders highlighted the city's strategic advantages—deep‑water port, international airport, tourism potential, and biodiversity—and called for coordinated action among the presidency, regional government and municipal authorities to accelerate infrastructure, water and mobility projects.

During the celebration, the Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de Colombia (Sayco) honored its president, Rafael Manjarrez, and general manager, César Ahumada, for their work protecting composers' rights and modernising the organization. Their recognition underscored the role of music and cultural creators in positioning Santa Marta as a cultural reference in Colombia.