History and culture

Founded on July 25, 1536, Cali was a strategic point between Popayán and the Pacific coast. During the colonial period, it was a key commercial center. Its modern transformation was consolidated after the VI Pan American Games in 1971, boosting its sports and urban infrastructure.

Capital of Salsa and Music: Salsa defines the identity of Cali, being home to numerous orchestras and dance schools that make it a world epicenter of this rhythm. Festivals: The Cali Fair (December) and the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival (August) are massive events that showcase local music, gastronomy, and crafts.

Historical Sites: The San Antonio neighborhood, La Ermita Church, and the Enrique Buenaventura Municipal Theater are landmarks of colonial and republican architecture. Museums: Notable museums include the La Tertulia Museum, the Calima Gold Museum, and the La Merced Archaeological Museum. Cultural Diversity: Cali blends the joy of the Valle del Cauca region with the strength of its Afro-Colombian heritage from the Pacific coast, incorporating expressions like the currulao and the bambuco. Gastronomy: Typical dishes such as sancocho de gallina (chicken stew), aborrajado (plantain fritters), marranitas (fried plantain fritters), and cholado (shaved ice with shaved ice) are an essential part of its identity.