San Basilio de Palenque, an iconic Afro-Colombian town in the north of Colombia, opened its own tourism center this weekend as it aims to increasingly become an attractive tourist destination.
Located one hour from the Caribbean city of Cartagena, Palenque played a key role in Colombia’s history, is rich of tradition and has its own particular music, language and quirks.
The town for years has been on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a nomination established to ensure better protection and raising awareness of cultural heritages worldwide.
The opening ceremony of the tourism center was attended by Colombia’s trade minister, deputy minister of the same post and the governor of the Bolivar department.
“The originality that Palenque has is necessary for Colombian tourism to continue growing,” said Trade Minister Sergio Diaz-Granados. Palenque, the minister added, offers an unique experience and is a part of Colombia’s “magic realism.”
According to Diaz-Granados, the Afro-Colombian town’s tourist center will proudly remind people that, “Colombia is the Latin American country with the highest Afro-descendent population and African heritage.”
Palenque’s tourist center is the result of a joint investment from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the government of Bolivar.
The town, birthplace of famous Colombian musicians and poets, holds supports of both national and local governments in its task to reach out as a tourist magnet.
San Basillio de Palenque, Boliviar
Sources
- Palenque le apuesta a ser destino turístico (El Heraldo)
