This July, Santa Marta celebrates its traditional Fiestas del Mar 2025 (Sea Festivals 2025), in honor of its founding (July 29, 1525) and as one of the most emblematic festivities of the Colombian Caribbean. This event brings together culture, sports, beauty, folklore, and gastronomy, with activities spread across El Rodadero, Taganga, and Santa Marta Bay, from July 23 to 29. Here's the official program, enriched with historical and cultural details so you don't miss a thing.
In 2025, the Fiestas del Mar in Santa Marta take on an even more special meaning as they coincide with the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia. This historic milestone transforms the festival into a profound tribute to half a millennium of cultural heritage, resilience, and love for the sea. During this emblematic edition, the program is enriched with commemorative events, historical parades, and artistic expressions that narrate the city's evolution from its birth in 1525 to becoming a tourist and heritage icon of the Colombian Caribbean.
This year, the festive atmosphere blends with Santa Marta's pride, reflecting an identity forged between mountains, rivers, and the sea. From the streets of the historic center to the most emblematic beaches, Santa Marta dresses up for celebration to welcome visitors from all over, with an agenda that highlights the cultural diversity and natural beauty that characterize it. The 2025 Sea Festivals will not only be remembered for their joy and color, but also for marking a turning point in the history of a city that celebrates its past while projecting its future with hope and passion.
📅 Official schedule — July 23-29 (not yet official)
Wednesday, July 23
- Hay Festival Santa Marta : talks, readings, and book signings in iconic spaces in the historic center.
- CAF Summit : opening sessions at the Santa Marta Theater.
- Gospel concert at night.
- Nautical Agenda : start of swimming, skiing, and kayaking competitions in El Rodadero, Taganga, and the bay.
Thursday, July 24
- Second day of the CAF Summit.
- Gastronomic and Artisan Fair in Los Novios Park and BolĂvar Park, featuring coastal flavors and products from the Sierra Nevada.
- Opening concert with local artists.
- Nautical Agenda continues.
Friday, July 25
- IXEL Fashion at Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.
- Concert Day 2 : Gusi, Churo DĂaz and DJ Agudelo.
- Whale Parade and Aquatic Concert with Michael Torres, Grupo Niche, The Norte and Pipe Peláez.
- Gastronomic Fair and W Party.
Saturday, July 26
- Folklore parade through the historic center.
- Competitive water sports.
- Concert Day 3 : Peter Manjarrés, Zuleta, Bananas, Charanga del Sur.
- Morro lighting and symphonic concert.
- Great fireworks show celebrating the 500th anniversary.
Sunday, July 27
- Repetition of the Folklore Parade.
- Superconcert Santa Marta 500 : Elder Dayan, Blessd, Carlos Vives and Mr. Black.
Monday, July 28
- Coronation of the Captain of the Sea 2025 .
- Nautical Agenda continues on beaches.
Tuesday, July 29
- A serenade to Santa Marta at dawn, with a grand concert and a closing fireworks display, commemorating its founding in 1525.
🎉 Main highlights
National and International Reign of the Sea
More than a beauty pageant: contestants showcase their skills in swimming, skiing, kayaking, and jet skiing, and participate in the descriptive fantasy and whaling parades.
National Nautical and Beach Games
Since 2010, Santa Marta has hosted official championships in disciplines such as beach soccer, volleyball, water skiing, artisanal fishing, beach boxing, and more.
Gastronomic and Artisan Fair
In the city's iconic parks—Los Novios and BolĂvar—there is a fair featuring typical coastal dishes, fishing, and handcrafted products alluding to indigenous culture.
Nautical Agenda
Located in El Rodadero, Taganga, and the bay, this program includes water sports clubs, concerts by the sea, and recreational activities for the whole family.
🌊 History and tradition
Created in 1959 to celebrate the founding of Santa Marta, the Fiesta del Mar has since combined nautical sporting events with cultural expressions, music, and parades. Over time, it has become institutionalized, and today includes the Queen's Reign and the Nautical Games.
đź“Ť Key locations
- El Rodadero, Santa Marta and Taganga Bays : Water sports and official competitions.
- Historic center : folklore parades and gastronomic fair.
- San Pedro Alejandrino Estate : IXEL Moda.
- Port Dock : Fantasy Parade and Final Serenade.
The 2025 Fiestas del Mar program promises an unforgettable experience, filled with culture, music, gastronomy, art, and sports, all framed by the majesty of the Caribbean Sea. This year, the celebration takes on a historic dimension as it commemorates Santa Marta's 500th anniversary , making each event an opportunity to be part of an unprecedented tribute. Attending this celebration will not only allow you to enjoy vibrant shows and activities for all tastes, but also to experience the pride of a city that honors its past, celebrates its present, and projects its future with joy and unity. Santa Marta is ready to welcome the world, and you can't be left out.