Exploring Cartagena Street Art

Exploring Cartagena Street Art

An amazing wall mural by El Pez Barcelona in the Getsemani neighborhood near Cartagena Colombia
Amazing Cartagena Street Art by El Pez

While walking the streets of the walled city of Cartagena, you can easily get lost in it’s vibrant colors. Couple that with the amazing food, great museums, and lively music, you could easily stay in this area forever. But that would be a mistake. Whether you explore the world’s third-largest barrier reef that makes up Islas del Rosario National Park or you swim in the Totumo Mud Volcano there is plenty to do outside of the city! However, just a 10 minute stroll outside the city walls, you can discover one of the best kept secrets to exploring Cartagena street art: the neighborhood of Getsemani.

Walking around Getsemani, you'll see some the most amazing displays of Cartagena street art! See why exploring Cartagena Street art needs to be on your bucket list! #CartagenaStreetArt #CartagenaGraffiti #GetsemaniStreetArt Click To Tweet

A Brief History of Getsemani Statues of Pedro Romero, led his "Lanceros de Gestemani" against the Spanish, becoming a hero of Cartagena’s independence movement.

The neighborhood of Getsemani has had a rocky evolution. Originally, the Spanish invasion pushed out the indigenous tribes from Cartagena and all surrounding regions. Getsemani became the local barrio for African Slaves of those in the walled city next door. In the early 1800s, a free man of color, Pedro Romero, led his “Lanceros de Gestemani” against the Spanish, becoming a hero of Cartagena’s independence movement.

Sadly, after independence was obtained, Getsemani fell into a dismal state. It developed a reputation as a neighborhood of drugs, violence, crime, and prostitution. Though less than a 5 minute walk from the famous walled city, every traveler to Cartagena was warned that Getsemani was an unsafe place to explore.

Luckily, that all changed at the turn of the 21st century. As Cartagena opened it’s doors to tourism, a sort of cultural renaissance slowly came to Getsemani. Suddenly, the old remnant run down buildings were being converted to hostels, shops, and restaurants. Plaza de la Trinidad became a center for local musicians, street performers, and artists to share their talents.

This rebirth and revitalization all came to a head around December 2013. Getsemani became a vivid graffiti scene of protests toward the gentrification and increasing tourism of the area. Rather than discourage the Cartagena street art, an International Festival of Urban Art was held on the Streets of Getsemani. For this event, both local and international street artists were invited to share murals featuring everything from animals to events important to the people of Cartagena. The result was one of the most amazing and largest displays of street art in the world. Thankfully, it preserved and easy to explore.

Note: Below are some of the amazing murals and pieces of Cartagena street art we found. Some of the images are thumb nails. Feel free to click on them to see the images in full view!

Exploring Cartagena Street Art in Plaza de la Trinidad

Wall Mural of Maria Mulata by Yurika MDC in the Getsemani neighborhood near Cartagena Colombia
Maria Mulata by Yurika MDC

There is no doubt that any visitor to the neighborhood of Getsemani will end up at Plaza de la Trinidad! Here you will find amazing street food, cheap drinks, and plenty of opportunity to people watch as you are entertained by the local musicians and artists. But, if it is Cartagena street art you are looking to explore, then look for the Black Bird known as “Maria Mulata” behind the statue of Pedro Romero.

Yurika MDC created the mural based on of a local legend. According to the story, there were once colorful birds called Maria Mulatas that loved to sing in Cartagena. One day a horrible fire broke out and engulfed the city in flames. The colorful birds flew into the fire ravaged area and with their long beaks scooped up the locals and flew them to safety. Sadly, by flying back and forth through the smoke and soot, the Maria Mulatas lost their colorful feathers and were blackened forever. It is said that on bright days, locals can still see the brilliant colors in the bird’s black plumage.

Getsemani street art on social issues

The Street Art wall mural of "Defending What We Have Left" by El Decertor in the Getsemani neighborhood near Cartagena Colombia
“Defending What We Have Left” by El Decertor

Just because Cartagena embraced the street art scene doesn’t mean that protests toward the gentrification and increasing tourism stopped. This is evident when Peruvian artist, El Decertor, created his giant mural titled, “Defender Lo Que Nos Queda.” This large mural showcases the struggle of the locals from Getsemani who are working to preserve the identity and memory of their community.

The graffiti Mural of a man holding the Cartagena Flag by Jade Rivera in the Getsemani neighborhood near Cartagena Colombia
Mural of a man holding the Cartagena Flag by Jade Rivera

Another Peruvian artist known as Jade also chimed in on the gentrification of Getsemani. He created this mural of a lower class man holding the flag of Cartagena while protesting the sale and higher prices of housing in his home town.

Honoring Cartagena’s favorite sons

Whether it is a hero of Cartagena’s independence movement, their famed salsa singer, or great athletes, you are bound to find some of the cities favorite sons immortalized in the Cartagena street art.

Pedro Romero, hero of the independence movement

Famous salsa singer Joe Arroyo

The Boxers
Wall Mural honoring the epic boxing rivalry between Cartagena native, Rodrigo Valdez and Carlos Monzón in the Getsemani neighborhood near Cartagena Colombia

One of Cartagena’s favorite sons is former two-time world middleweight champion boxer and Cartagena native, Rodrigo Valdez. This mural immortalizes his with epic rivalry with Carlos Monzón.

The strong women of Cartagena

When exploring Cartagena street art, many strong women of different backgrounds can also be seen. From a mural of the Smiling Afro-Colombian woman to the local model Ana Luisa Muñoz, the women of Cartagena are showcased with strength and confidence.

Immortalizing the Palanqueras

The palanqueras or fruit sellers, are one of the most iconic characters of Cartagena. You can see them walking around everywhere in their vibrant dresses usually balancing large bowls of fruit on their heads. Historically, these women would trek into Cartagena everyday loaded with fruit harvested from trees surrounding their native Palenque. With such a rich history and vibrant aesthetic, it is easy to see why they would be immortalized in Cartagena street art.

Remembering the indigenous people

Before the Spanish invasion of what is now Cartagena, the area was originally inhabited by the Calamari people that dominated the Caribbean coast. Throughout Getsemani you will find a number of murals that pay tribute to the original indigenous inhabitants.

The amazing animals

While strolling around, you are bound to see many beautiful depictions of animals in the Getsemani street art. Some are simply beautiful images, while others portray a more environmental warning to onlookers.

The doors of a barrio

American best-selling novelist Katherine Karen Dunn once said, “Behind every locked door on Skid Road are a thousand stories.” With such a seedy history as a neighborhood of drugs, violence, and prostitution, there must be crazy stories hidden within Getsemani. As you walk through the streets, make sure you also look at the doors to see some incredible street art hiding in plain sight.

How to find the amazing Cartagena street art

An amazing wall mural by El Noble in the Getsemani neighborhood near Cartagena Colombia
An amazing wall mural in Getsemani by El Noble

While wandering up and down the colorful streets of Getsemani, you will easily find plenty of murals and paintings. Calle de La Sierpe (The Street of the Serpent) is a great spot to begin your tour as most of the street is covered with large murals. From there, simply stroll the areas of Getsemani around Plaza de la Trinidad, Plaza del Pozo, and any of the adjoining side streets.

If you prefer a more organized walking tour of the Getsemani street art there are several available. These tours are great because they allow you to check out the city’s diverse street art scene and you meet with local artists at their studios.

  • Getsemaní Neighbourhood Tour in Cartagena – This tour is an extremely popular 2-hour guided tour of Gestemani. Not only will you discover the amazing Getsemani street art, but you will also meet the locals, learn the barrio’s history, play a game of ludo, and even get involved in a community art project.
  • Cartagena Art Tour – This 3-hour exploration of Cartagena street art will take you into the Getsemani neighborhood. From there, you will meet with local artists at their studios, tour the newest galleries and check out the city’s diverse street art scene with a certified art historian guide.

As you can see, exploring Cartagena street art is another unique bucket list experience offered in Colombia! Have you ever explored the Cartagena street art scene? Is seeing all of the amazing murals in Getsemani on your Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!Pinterest Picture of the famous Cartagena Street Art of An amazing wall mural in Getsemani by El Noble

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50 thoughts on “Exploring Cartagena Street Art

  1. Bummer. We spent a couple of days in Cartagena and did not know about Getsemani. Cartagena has one of the most beautiful downtown areas that I know of and we spent a lot of time just walking there. We got very close though by visiting Parque Del Centenario which was beautifully decorated for Xmas. We love street art and it seems we need to go there again.

  2. I love this Eric! It seems like gentrification and street art are taking over the whole world, but I love that the street art in Cartagena has so much local culture and history involved (rather than just inviting famous artists from around the world to make their marks.)

    I really like the palanqueras, the strong women, the indigenous people murals and the images of Cartagena’s favorite sons.

    Did you go on a tour to find out about them all?

  3. OMG, my favorite is that Black Bird “Maria Mulata” behind the statue of Pedro Romero. It’s gorgeous!

  4. I love how you dedicated a post to street art! I enjoy looking at it when I visit different places, and it looks like Cartagena has a lot of wall art!

  5. at first i was confused because there is also place called cartagena,spain…but then i realized it wasnt….it is cartagena in colombia….been there nice food,friendly people,,and gorgeous ladies too..their sreet arts are amazing,,there are also street performers,,,will love to go back again.

  6. I really like the sculpture from the first picture. Street art is such a fun way to know a culture and understand people’s history and views. Thank you for sharing.

  7. It’s always amazing to see how locals view their hometown. Street art just happens to be a very public way to show it. Thanks for sharing.

  8. I barely explored my hometown so this is definitely an eye opener on how much is out there and that I need to explore more. Kicking comfort zone out of the window real soon.

  9. I absolutely love street art, and I think the art shown here was beautiful. I love that each one has a story behind it. Very special, and unique! Thanks for sharing.

    1. Yeah, the street art in Getsemani was absolutely amazing. I hope you get to see it all in person one day because it is even better in person.

  10. I would totally join that 3-hour tour. I’ll get lost in all these beautiful art. I’d love to know the stories and the artists behind this. I hope the town preserves it well.

  11. I really enjoyed exploring the Getsemani neighborhood. Such amazing street art! The turqouise bird one was my fave!

  12. The statues of Getsemani are incredible and there is so much history, and emotion behind them! I would love to see them in person! xo – Kam

  13. OMG! This place is so rich in street art. They have featured everything- indigenous women, animals, doors, singers, boxers, etc so well and colorfully on their walls. We would love to do a personalized tour and see them in person once around. Thanks for sharing.

  14. I absolutely love exploring places with great street art and especially that with special meaning. The idea of painting the strong women of Cartagena appeals to me, would love to see that. Also, the indigenous people art looks quite interesting!

  15. I do remember the statues we found all over Cartagena. But we missed some of the street art you showcased. Like much street art, it tells a story of the people. The colourful art depicting the fruit sellers was a favourite. We love to wander a new city and find the street art as we go. But it was good to read that there are organized walking tours to see key pieces.

  16. Your posts are always so compelling, Eric! I am in awe of street art but never have time to chase it when I visit a city. I can only admire your dedication to address a certain aspect of a destination (like the dog statues around the world, which I loved!). I’ve heard a lot about the vibrant Cartagena and hope to visit it someday.

    1. Thank you so much Anda for the kind words. I guess I figure if I’m going to a place I may never come back to I knew to really dig deep and find all that neat and unique things, that makes it so special. Cartagena, was truly an amazing city with so many levels. I hope you get a chance to go because it is so far my most favorite place in South America.

  17. Love that they’ve accepted and now preserve the street art. I’m glad that the neighborhood is flourishing and hope they find balance with the gentrification. I like too the way your organized the different murals into themes. Great post.

  18. I love that you provided a history of the region and some of its political/social development – I felt like I viewed the images of the art in an entirely new way, just knowing a bit more about what possibly motived the artists. So beautiful and colorful!

  19. Your photos look amazing. I would love to go here after reading your post. Thanks for some great tips on where to go

  20. Wow! Some really great street art and the way you’ve written this post is quite amazing, I now feel that I should cover street art from my city as well.
    Thanks for sharing!

  21. Spanish countries are always so beautiful and full of so much history! Your photos are beautiful!! And this place is amazing!

  22. I’ve always admired street art. I love the colorfulness and creativity behind it. I think it speaks well of the neighborhoods that they represent.

  23. I love the colorfulness and the detail in the Cartagena art! I especially love the paintings of the animals. I’m glad that they allowed the artists to paint in the city. These works of art makes the city more vibrant, I think.

  24. What fascinating displays of creative genius! It always amazes me when people are able to exercise their talents in such diverse ways, and do it in modes that other people can enjoy. The mural with the large blue bird is especially vibrant and beautiful!

  25. Wow, incredible photographs and artwork! I have a few friends that have visited Columbia, and they absolutely loved the food and culture. If I get the chance to visit, I will most certainly check out the Plaza de la Trinidad.

  26. It looks like a lot of the Cartagena Street Art tells important stories. I never would’ve thought to look for hidden meaning in street art. Especially the two on gentrification. I had trouble seeing the meaning in “Defending What We Have Left,” but I could see it in the one made by Jade Rivera.

  27. Love your blog. You are an amazing writer. You have given me some great holiday ideas. I love how you go into the story behind Cartagena. Amazing post! 😊xxx

  28. The street art is amazing! This looks and sounds like an awesome place to visit…so much life, culture and history! I’ll add it to my list! Thank you!

  29. Love the art. I love reading your articles cause they give me so many vacation ideas. I take them back to my hubby and he ask where did I hear about this or that location. Hmmmmm……a blog I read. 🙂

  30. I never imagined how beautiful the street art and murals are in Cartagena. Each space more stunning as the last. Each art tells of story of history. Thanks for sharing your experience with your followers.

  31. I can’t wait to visit Cartagena because of its thriving African descended population. I’ve made it a point to actively seek African descendants whenever I visit the islands or South America. It’s fascinating for me as a West African to observe similar shared habits that through sheer will & perseverance, survived a horrendous four centuries.

  32. Cartagena is wonderful place, plus add this artwork on the walls and statues makes more fun to visit and have some fun taking picture there. I am sure when we visit this place we will have something to bringhome.

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