Cartagena celebrates Fiesta de la Hispanidad with music, history and cultural events

Cartagena marked Spain’s Fiesta de la Hispanidad with five days of vibrant cultural activities, live performances and historical events, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the connections between Spain and the Americas.

Five days of cultural celebrations in Cartagena

Held from October 8 to 12, the programme featured more than 30 activities organised by Cartagena City Council and the Héroes de Cavite Cultural Association, with support from the Hispanotec network. The celebrations explored shared history, international relations, music and cultural traditions, all through fun events and activities for all ages.

Latin American music and traditional dance

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento was the centre of the festivities, hosting performances showcasing traditional music from across Latin America. Cuban and Peruvian music featured alongside traditional Ibero-American dances.

One of the programme’s musical highlights was a concert by the Musical Unit of the Tercio de Levante Marine Infantry, which formed part of the city’s wider celebrations for Spain’s National Day.

Bringing culture and tradition to the heart of the Costa Calida’s hub of history

The programme brought cultural performances into the centre of Cartagena, allowing locals and visitors to discover different traditions while enjoying the historic city centre.  History and international relations were also central to the event, with conferences and discussions examining Spain’s presence and influence in the Americas, Africa and the Mediterranean.

A particular highlight was the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Spain’s contribution to American independence. Exhibitions and educational activities were a large part of the commemoration.

A historical treasure hunt closes the festivities

The festivities concluded on Monday, October 12 with a fun-filled historical treasure hunt around Cartagena, encouraging participants to discover more about the city’s past through an interactive activity. The programme was supported by several regional institutions, including the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, the Chamber of Commerce, the Port Authority and the Regional Assembly of Murcia.

Through its combination of music, dance, education and historical exploration, Cartagena’s Fiesta de la Hispanidad offered a vibrant programme celebrating cultural connections, history, and the threads that unite Spain with the Americas.