On the morning of Sunday, Tampa will celebrate a significant milestone with its sister city, Barranquilla, Colombia, kicking off a commemoration of 60 years of successful partnership. Mayor Jane Castor is set to spearhead the official launch of the 60 Years of Sisterhood Celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., according to a press release by the City of Tampa. The event is not only to honor, but also to continue to build upon the long-standing cultural exchange and friendship between Tampa and its Colombian counterpart.
In 2026, both cities will further solidify this relationship by hosting a series of cultural and trade encounters meant to strengthen ties and promote bilateral trade. "It’s an incredible honor to celebrate 60 years of sisterhood between Tampa and Barranquilla—our city’s oldest and most vibrant international partnership," Mayor Castor told the City of Tampa official website. The Mayor also hinted at an exciting future, with a special visit to Barranquilla and other collaborative initiatives on the horizon.
The city's sisterhood with Barranquilla dates back to 1966, marking it as Tampa's oldest sister city relationship. This six-decade-strong connection has been facilitated by Sister Cities International, which was founded to bring people from diverse cultures together, fostering understanding and promoting peace. As part of this initiative, the two cities have been actively involved in various cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.
Alfred Goldberg, President of Tampa Sister Cities, pointed out the significance of the anniversary not just as a celebratory marker, but as an opportunity to yet to even more deeply engage in cultural, commercial, and diplomatic collaborations. "This milestone isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s a springboard for future collaboration in culture, commerce, and diplomacy," Goldberg told the City of Tampa official website.
Details of the upcoming event and the year-long series of encounters are available for public scrutiny, and the media will also have the opportunity to interview Mayor Castor, along with delegates from Barranquilla. These discussions aim to unfold the significance of Tampa's international connections and provide further insight into the plans slated for the following year.
