Cartagena de Indias joins The Food Capitals by Délice Network in April 2026, becoming the second Colombian city in the network and strengthening Latin America’s presence within this global community of food cities. Renowned for its vibrant Caribbean identity, Cartagena brings a powerful example of how gastronomy can serve as a bridge between cultures, a driver of sustainable tourism, and a tool for social inclusion and economic development.
Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias is a historic port city and the capital of the Bolívar department. Founded in the 16th century during Spanish colonisation, it quickly became one of the most important trading hubs in the Americas. This rich history, shaped by Spanish influence, transatlantic trade, and diverse cultural exchanges, continues to define the city’s architectural, cultural, and gastronomic identity.
Today, Cartagena’s cuisine reflects a vibrant fusion of influences. While contemporary gastronomy embraces Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Peruvian, Arab, and Lebanese inspirations, traditional cuisine remains deeply rooted in Spanish, African, and Indigenous heritage. At the heart of this living tradition are the iconic palenqueras: Afro-Caribbean street vendors who preserve ancestral knowledge by selling fresh fruits and local products, often carried in colourful baskets on their heads.
Cartagena’s culinary scene is both rich and expressive, offering emblematic dishes such as arepa con huevo, carimañola, cocteles de mariscos, buñuelos de fríjol, and posta cartagenera, alongside the beloved local soda Kola Román. More than gastronomy, these dishes embody Cartagena’s identity — a living expression of cultural resilience, memory, and community, where food becomes a powerful link between heritage and contemporary urban life.
This dynamic food culture is also celebrated through a vibrant calendar of some twenty festivals and events. Among them, the renowned Fried Food Festival stands out, attracting more than 120,000 visitors and highlighting the culinary expertise of women, many of whom are heads of households. In Cartagena, gastronomy is also understood as a tool for peace and social cohesion, bringing together communities and creating opportunities in a city shaped by complex histories and cultural diversity.
Cartagena also invests in the future of its culinary sector through education and training. Institutions such as the Universidad del Sinú, the Universidad Mayor de Cartagena, and SENA provide programmes that support the development of culinary skills, from technical training to higher education.
Through its development strategy, the city is committed to preserving and promoting its culinary heritage, while strengthening local food systems and supporting the communities that sustain them.
By joining The Food Capitals, Cartagena de Indias aims to both learn from and contribute to an international network of cities that use gastronomy as a driver of sustainable urban development. The city brings with it a strong vision rooted in innovation, cultural heritage, and social impact, and looks forward to building lasting collaborations with like-minded cities around the world.
Food Capitals members will get a chance to welcome Cartagena to the Network during the upcoming Monthly Treat, our online sessions dedicated to learning from one another, sharing experiences, and strengthening connections across our network
About The Food Capitals by Délice Network
The Food Capitals is the international network of cities committed to using food and gastronomy as powerful tools for economic and sustainable urban development, cultural identity, urban well-being, and city attractiveness. Founded and headquartered in Lyon since 2007, this non-profit organisation gathers cities working together on food culture, food sector, food policies, and food scene development.
Media Contact: Jessica Ferey, Executive Director, The Food Capitals contact@thefoodcapitals.com / www.thefoodcapitals.com
Photos credits: © Alcaldía de Cartagena de Indias
