Mayor Jane Castor and representatives from the City of Tampa's Sister City Barranquilla, Colombia celebrated their longstanding relationship 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, Colombia has been in place for nearly six decades, since 1966. It is the city's oldest Sister City. Sister Cities International, which was founded back in 1956, started 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 a lot in common – similar weather, both have vibrant economies and are port cities with thriving international airports.
For 58 years, both cities have collaborated with 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 said before her term ends, she hopes to make the same trip.