Throughout the years the history of Cartagena has been told through music rhythms such as vallenato, champeta, salsa and boleros have been responsible for carrying the anecdotes of the city throughout history.

Some of the most representative artists of the city, such as José 'El Joe' Arroyo, have been in charge of immortalizing La Heroica through their lyrics.

These are 5 of the most emblematic songs of the city's culture, which undoubtedly cannot be missed when you visit: 

1. La fantastica 

This song by Carlos Vives was recorded in 2013 and has since become an anthem of the city that remembers its heroes through music. 

In 'La Fantastica' Vives names the characters, places and milestones that led Cartagena to become that place of memorable history. 

2. Buscapie 

For 40 years this song by the group Son Cartagena has been the most listened to and sung by all Cartageneros during the month of November, when the city's independence is celebrated.

This melody was the winner of the Combo de Oro in the Carnivals of Barranquilla played by Son Cartagena in the modality of folkloric groups. It has also been recorded by musical groups such as the orchestra of Pello Torres and other singers like Peter Manjarres, Kike Vivaldi and Jerau.

3. Callecitas de Cartagena 

This emblematic song interpreted to the bolero rhythm was written by Arabella, the artistic name of Margarita Pinillos from Bogotá, who recorded it for the first time in 1974. 

Callecitas de Cartagena reflects the love, romanticism, magic and passion of the verses, as experienced in the walled city.

4. La rebelión 

This song composed by Joe Arroyo tells the colonial history of Cartagena, when the Spaniards ruled over the black Africans and took them into "perpetual slavery". 

A salsa with an infectious rhythm that encourages everyone to get up on the dance floor, but which in the background carries the weight of black Cartagena. 

5. Tardes de verano 

Since 1994 this song composed by the Zuleta brothers nostalgically narrates the evening landscape that only the majestic Caribbean Sea can provide when the sun peeks out behind the afternoon that is leaving and the night that arrives.