Tampa Republic

Mayor Jane Castor and representatives from Tampa's Sister City, Barranquilla, Colombia, celebrated their longstanding relationship on Friday as Castor proclaimed August 23 "Barranquilla, Colombia Day."

The mayor was joined by representatives of Sister Cities, Barranquilla Delegation representative Vicky Ibañez, and Cesar Felipe González Hernández, the Consul General of Colombia in Orlando.

"Our partnership today is about building bridges, not just between governments but between communities, businesses, and individuals – whether it’s through trade, cultural exchanges, or education," said Mayor Castor. "Today, I am honored to recognize and celebrate the 58th anniversary of this wonderful relationship."

Tampa’s relationship with Barranquilla has been in place since 1966. It is the city's oldest Sister City. Sister Cities International started in 1956 with a simple yet powerful idea: to bring people from different cultures together to help us understand one another better and ultimately to promote peace.

During the ceremony, Castor described how Tampa and Barranquilla have much in common – similar weather, vibrant economies, and both are port cities with thriving international airports.

For 58 years, both cities have collaborated through exchanges of art, music commerce, education, and civic endeavors.

"Thank you for the friendship, cultural connections, and continued bond that you’re helping to keep alive between our two cities," Castor said.

Also present at the ceremony was former Mayor Bob Buckhorn who visited Barranquilla during his time as Mayor of Tampa in 2012. Castor mentioned she hopes to make the same trip before her term ends.