Hear the tale of a giant bronze cat and his many brides at Parque Gato de Tejada y Las Novias del Gato. Right here in Cali stands a testament to joy a feline fiesta of art and culture. This is more than just a park. It is a vibrant outdoor gallery that captures the spirit of Cali also known as the Sucursal del Cielo.
Our story begins with El Gato del Río. This massive cat sculpture was created by the celebrated Colombian artist Hernando Tejada in 1996. Tejada donated his three-ton bronze creation to beautify Cali’s riverbank. The Gato quickly became an icon.
But El Gato del Río was lonely. So, the city decided to find him a bride. In 2006, the project expanded. Fifteen smaller colorful feline sculptures joined El Gato. Each “Novia” or bride was designed by a different local artist. The sculptures each have the same shape but boast unique paint jobs. These feline depictions of women added a new dimension to the park.
One bride named Fogata was designed by Roberto Molano González. She was initially chosen as the official novia. But the people of Cali loved all the gatas so much that they wanted them to stay. The area was adapted so visitors could enjoy all the sculptures.
Over time more gatas joined the Parque Gato de Tejada. Local businesses donated designs from various artists. Several gatas have been placed in different parts of the city becoming landmarks of Cali. Each tells its own story and represents the artistic talent of Cali.
The most recent addition is Gata Ingrid. Inaugurated in June 2023 she pays homage to the pandebono. This cheesy bread roll is an iconic part of Cali’s gastronomy. Some of the other faithful companions include Anabella La Gata Superestrella No Hay Gato and Yara La Diosa de Las Aguas. Others are Ilustrada Coqueta Bandida Siete Vidas Kuriyaku and Engáñame La Gata. Each name adds to the park’s whimsical charm.
The Parque Gato de Tejada is located on Calle 4a Oeste. It is easily accessible. You can take a taxi or the MIO public transport system. The San Antonio station is just a short walk away. The park is open every day from 6 AM to 10 PM and admission is free.
When visiting take some memorable photos with the Novias del Gato. Stroll along the Cali River. Learn the stories behind each sculpture. Don’t forget to savor the local cuisine. You can find empanadas pandebonos and refreshing fruit juices near the park.
The Novias del Gato are mostly located on the Bulevar del Rio. The area is considered safe thanks to the restaurants and security in the area.
These sculptures have not been immune to the effects of weather. Some of the gatas have been affected by rain sunlight and humidity causing the paint to fade. Therefore restoration efforts are underway to preserve these artistic treasures.
The Parque Gato de Tejada has become more than just a park. It is a symbol of Cali a place where art community and feline charm come together. So come explore this enchanting space where each cat has a story and every visit is a celebration.