Usiacurí celebrated its 168th anniversary as a municipality on Sunday, October 27, with an event in the town's main square attended by residents, local authorities led by Mayor Julio Mario Calderón, and Atlántico Governor Eduardo Verano de la Rosa. The festivities featured a folkloric atmosphere in which Governor Verano emphasized that Usiacurí is destined to become the "jewel of tourism" in the department.

“When we envision the future of tourism in Atlántico, Usiacurí is always at the heart of our plans,” the governor stated, highlighting the town's potential to attract visitors and preserve cultural heritage.

During his speech, Mayor Julio Mario Calderón pointed to the anniversary as an opportunity to showcase Usiacurí's environmental assets, traditional crafts, and healing waters. He underscored his administration’s commitment to restoring the “marvelous waters” that brought international fame to the town in the 1950s. Mayor Calderón invited Governor Verano to join this initiative to further boost the town’s allure.

Local civic leader and cultural promoter Bienvenido De la Hoz Mozo noted that Usiacurí has maintained its appeal to residents and visitors alike and called for continued efforts to strengthen the town’s unique attributes. “We are known for our hard work, traditional crafts, mineral waters, and natural beauty. That’s why I invite everyone to visit Usiacurí, a picturesque town lovingly called the ‘Natural Crèche of Atlántico,’” De la Hoz said.

Historical Background

Located 35 kilometers from Barranquilla, Usiacurí sits on ancestral Mokaná indigenous land and neighbors Baranoa, Juan de Acosta, Piojó, and Sabanalarga. The town’s foundation dates back to September 17, 1534, by Spanish explorer Francisco César, though it achieved formal municipal status on October 23, 1856, under Ordinance 011.

Usiacurí’s name combines the terms “Usía,” meaning “nobility,” and “Curí,” the name of the Mokaná chief who lived in the area before the Spanish conquest. The town’s economy has traditionally centered on artisan crafts made from iraca palm and agriculture, with ecotourism now adding a modern touch to its heritage. As of the latest census, Usiacurí, or the “Crèche of Atlántico,” is home to 13,019 residents.

This same ordinance in 1856 also elevated other Atlántico municipalities, including Baranoa and Palmar de Varela, to their current status.