Santa Rosa de Lima

Was Santa Rosa de Lima always called Santa Rosa de Lima? Not at all! We’re standing in a town with a rich history, a history that unfolds right here in Santa Rosa de Lima. This municipality, nestled in the Bolivar Department of Colombia, just 24 kilometers from the vibrant city of Cartagena, wasn’t always known by this name. Founded on July 3, 1735, Santa Rosa de Lima began as a settlement of indigenous people led by Cacique Alipaya. Originally, it was known as Santa Rosa de Alipaya. Later, due to the abundance of Uvero trees, the name changed again to Santa Rosa de Uveros. Imagine the scene: a small village, surrounded by lush vegetation, Tabacal and Betancourt streams weaving through the landscape. During periods of heavy rain, these streams would overflow, flooding the settlement and leading to outbreaks of illness. The villagers would seek refuge on higher ground, the very place where the municipal church now stands. One day, a remarkable discovery occurred in the Arroyo Hormiga. A statue of a virgin, identified as Santa Rosa de Lima, was found. The villagers brought the statue to the main church. However, the following day, the statue mysteriously returned to the spot where it was initially discovered. Today, a shrine to Santa Rosa de Lima stands beside the Arroyo Hormiga, commemorating this event. Missionaries of the Santa Rosa de Lima religious order arrived in the village. Impressed by the divine nature of the statue and the story surrounding it, the villagers began to venerate the figure. Soon after, she was declared the patron saint of the municipality, her feast celebrated every year on August 30th. From that time onwards, the town also became known as Santa Rosa de Lima, named after their patron saint. The town’s economy initially thrived on agriculture, the fertile land perfect for growing a variety of crops. They cultivated rice, corn, plantains, and tomatoes. During the 1940s to 1965, Santa Rosa de Lima became the main producer of tomatoes in the Bolivar Department, earning the locals the nickname “tomateros” or “tomatoes.” Today, while agriculture remains important, livestock farming, especially cattle, also plays a significant role. Located close to the river ports of Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, Santa Rosa de Lima holds a strategic position for trade and future development.