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Monumento a Esthercita Forero Barranquilla

4.3
·195 reviews·, Colombia

Barranquilla honors its musical daughters with statues of global superstar Shakira and beloved local legend Esthercita Forero.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Barranquilla

Monumento a Esthercita Forero Barranquilla

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Barranquilla honors its musical daughters with statues of global superstar Shakira and beloved local legend Esthercita Forero.

4.3
(195 reviews)

"A must-see for music fans, with a vibrant tribute to Shakira and a nod to local legend Esthercita Forero."

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📸 Photo Ops Galore

Get your iconic shots with both the Shakira and Esthercita Forero statues. Be patient for the Shakira statue!

🎶 Appreciate Local Music

Learn about Esthercita Forero, 'La Novia de Barranquilla,' and her musical legacy.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Esthercita Forero Statue

Esthercita Forero Statue

Plaza de Esthercita Forero, Carrera Veinte de Julio (43) and Calle 74

A tribute to 'La Novia de Barranquilla,' this statue honors a legendary Colombian singer and composer.

Shakira Statue

Shakira Statue

Gran Malecón del Río

A massive bronze statue of global superstar Shakira dancing, a must-see for fans and a popular photo spot.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Icon

While the Shakira statue draws crowds, don't miss the tribute to Esthercita Forero, 'La Novia de Barranquilla.' This statue honors a beloved Colombian singer and composer whose music is deeply cherished by locals. It's a more serene experience, perfect for appreciating local culture.

Timing is Key for Photos

The Shakira statue can have long lines for photos, especially during peak times.TikTok Consider visiting the Esthercita Forero monument during off-peak hours to enjoy a more peaceful experience and capture memorable photos without the rush.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Location Below 👇 Shakira’s hips don’t lie but apparently mine do 🥲 It’s been a year since Shakira’s hometown unveiled this massive statue and it’s definitely worth lining up for a photo with this Colombian icon. Located in Barranquilla, just put Shakira Statue in your GPS and it’ll take you there! It’s on the city’s Malecón (riverside pathway) so it’s a great spot to take a stroll and grab lu...
@shedreamsoftravel
348.8K likes • 3.4M views

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Get your iconic shots with both the Shakira and Esthercita Forero statues. Be patient for the Shakira statue! TikTok

🎶 Appreciate Local Music

Learn about Esthercita Forero, 'La Novia de Barranquilla,' and her musical legacy. Reddit

Hips Don't Lie - Homaje a Shakira en frente de su nueva estatua en Barranquilla, Colombia #Shakira #barranquilla #hipsdontlie
@shakfan241
182.5K likes • 3.4M views
A #cantora #Shakira ganhou uma homenagem na cidade de Barranquilla, na #Colômbia. Uma #estátua gigante com a imagem da artista foi inaugurada nesta terça-feira (26/12). O evento contou com a presença dos pais da colombiana. A escultura de bronze com 6,5 metros — localizada na cidade natal de Shakira — mostra a cantora dançando. Pelas redes sociais, ela compartilhou imagens do monumento. Aos pés da...
@metropolesoficial
27.6K likes • 321.7K views

📍 Location, Location!

The Shakira statue is on the Gran Malecón. Esthercita's is in a plaza on Carrera 43 and Calle 74. Reddit

⏳ Beat the Rush

The Shakira statue can have long queues. Visit early or late to avoid the longest waits. Reddit

Develan estatua de Shakira en Barranquilla. En la mañana de este martes fue revelada la estatua de la artista barranquillera Shakira, en el Gran Malecón del Río. Al acto acudieron sus padres Nidia Ripoll y William Mebarak, quienes se mostraron orgullosos por el homenaje a su hija. La imagen mide más de 6 metros de altura y está ubicada en la tercera fase del Gran Malecón del Río. La artista no pud...
@caimanbaq
15.4K likes • 496.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Get your iconic shots with both the Shakira and Esthercita Forero statues. Be patient for the Shakira statue! TikTok

🎶 Appreciate Local Music

Learn about Esthercita Forero, 'La Novia de Barranquilla,' and her musical legacy. Reddit

📍 Location, Location!

The Shakira statue is on the Gran Malecón. Esthercita's is in a plaza on Carrera 43 and Calle 74. Reddit

⏳ Beat the Rush

The Shakira statue can have long queues. Visit early or late to avoid the longest waits. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(195 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the tributes to both Shakira and the beloved local icon Esthercita Forero. While the Shakira statue is a major draw, some note long lines for photos. The Esthercita Forero monument is a more peaceful experience, though some wish for more information about her legacy.

"It is not such an amazing monument but Estercita Forero means a lot to people from Barranquilla she was "La novia de Barranquilla"."

Alejandra Ortiz

"Linda"

Maria Clara Gonzalez Henao

"At the Shakira statue there was a 2-hour line, but not here 😄 I love Esther Forero's music! Unfortunately there is no plaque and no information about this statue or The Bride of Barranquilla :("

Dennis Kailing

What People Like

Tribute to local icons
Shakira statue's grandeur
Esthercita's cultural importance

What People Dislike

Long lines for Shakira statue
Lack of info at Esthercita statue

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Shakira statue is located on the Gran Malecón del Río. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or local buses heading towards the Malecón area. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with exploring the riverside promenade.TikTok

The statue honoring Esthercita Forero, 'La Novia de Barranquilla,' is situated in the Plaza de Esthercita Forero, at the intersection of Carrera Veinte de Julio (43) and Calle 74.Reddit It's a significant landmark in the city.

Yes, both statues are within Barranquilla and accessible by taxi or ride-sharing. The Gran Malecón is a popular tourist area, and the Plaza de Esthercita Forero is in a well-known part of the city. Plan for short travel times between them.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to view or take photos with the Shakira statue. It's a public monument located on the Gran Malecón, which is generally accessible. However, be prepared for potential crowds.TikTok

Similar to the Shakira statue, there is no admission fee for the Esthercita Forero monument. It's located in a public plaza, allowing everyone to appreciate the tribute to this important Colombian artist.Reddit

The Gran Malecón, where the Shakira statue is located, is generally open from morning until late evening. The Plaza de Esthercita Forero is also a public space, accessible during daylight hours and into the evening. It's best to check local listings for specific park hours if you plan to visit very early or late.

📸 📸 Photography

To get a clear shot without too many people, try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. Be patient, as lines can form, especially during peak tourist seasons.TikTok Consider creative angles to capture the statue's grandeur.

The statue itself is the main focal point. You can get good shots from various angles in the plaza. While there isn't a designated 'photo spot' like at the Shakira statue, the plaza offers a pleasant backdrop for capturing the essence of this tribute.Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in public urban areas due to privacy and safety regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Barranquilla tourism board before attempting to fly a drone near either statue.

🎫 🎶 Music & Culture

Esthercita Forero, known as 'La Novia de Barranquilla' (The Bride of Barranquilla), was a celebrated Colombian singer and composer. She was a cultural ambassador for Colombian music, receiving numerous accolades for her contributions.Reddit Her statue is a testament to her beloved status in the city.

Esthercita Forero was known for her vibrant cumbia and porro music, deeply rooted in the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Her songs often celebrated Barranquilla and its culture, making her a cherished figure.Reddit

Unfortunately, some visitors have noted a lack of informational plaques at the Esthercita Forero monument, making it difficult to learn about her directly at the site.Reddit It's recommended to research her life and music beforehand to fully appreciate the tribute.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the Gran Malecón offers a great environment. The Shakira statue is a fun, recognizable landmark for children who are fans of her music. The open spaces of the Malecón are perfect for kids to run around. While the Esthercita Forero statue is more of a cultural tribute, it can be a good opportunity to introduce children to important figures in Colombian music history. Pack snacks and water, as exploring the Malecón can be an extended activity.

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

Music lovers will appreciate the dual tribute. Dedicate time to learn about Esthercita Forero's significant contributions to Colombian music, perhaps by researching her popular songs before or after your visit.Reddit Then, experience the modern icon that is the Shakira statue, a testament to Barranquilla's global musical impact. Consider visiting local music shops or cultural centers if available to further immerse yourself in the city's vibrant music scene.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Two Icons: Shakira vs. Esthercita Forero

Barranquilla proudly celebrates two of its most famous musical daughters with prominent statues. The Shakira statue on the Gran Malecón is a modern, larger-than-life tribute to the global pop sensation. Its unveiling garnered significant attention, and it's become a major draw for tourists eager for a photo with the 'Hips Don't Lie' singer.TikTok+1 The statue, made of bronze, stands over 6 meters tall and depicts Shakira in a dynamic dance pose.TikTok

In contrast, the Esthercita Forero statue honors a foundational figure in Colombian music. Known as 'La Novia de Barranquilla,' Esthercita Forero was a beloved singer and composer whose career spanned decades, earning her national and international recognition.Reddit Her music, often featuring cumbia and porro rhythms, is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Barranquilla. While the Esthercita Forero monument may be less flashy, it represents a profound connection to the city's musical heritage and the enduring love for its local artists.Reddit

Navigating the Gran Malecón

The Gran Malecón del Río is Barranquilla's expansive riverside promenade, a vibrant hub for recreation and tourism. It's here you'll find the impressive Shakira statue, drawing many visitors.TikTok The Malecón offers stunning views of the Magdalena River and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to stroll, exercise, and enjoy the coastal breeze. It's a well-maintained area with various attractions, making it a destination in itself.

When visiting the Shakira statue on the Gran Malecón, be prepared for a lively atmosphere. The area can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. While the statue is a primary draw, take time to explore the rest of the Malecón. You might find food vendors, green spaces, and other points of interest that offer a more relaxed experience away from the immediate vicinity of the statue. The sheer scale of the Malecón means there's space for everyone, even when crowds gather for photos.TikTok

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