Bogotá received an important international distinction: it will be the Ibero-American Capital of Cultures in 2027

Bogotá has been named the Ibero-American Capital of Culture for 2027, a distinction awarded by the Union of Ibero-American Capitals (UCCI). The decision was made during the XLI Meeting of the Cultural Sector Committee of the UCCI in Lima, Peru. This designation positions Bogotá at the center of the region's cultural agenda for the upcoming year. The UCCI is an international organization comprising 29 cities from 24 countries, dedicated to promoting cooperation and exchange among capitals in the Ibero-American region. The city officially submitted its candidacy in December 2025 during the XL Meeting of the Cultural Sector Committee held in La Paz, Bolivia. Bogotá’s application emphasized its status as a diverse and open city that recognizes culture as both a right and a driver of transformation, encounter, and development. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán described the recognition as a major achievement for Bogotá, noting that it reflects the efforts of artists, creators, managers, entrepreneurs, and communities who keep the city’s cultural offerings vibrant. He added that 2027 will bring many celebrations and opportunities to share Bogotá’s rich cultural heritage with Iberoamerica. Supporting data highlights the scale of Bogotá’s cultural activity. The city hosts over 18,000 annual cultural events, both public and private, alongside extensive artistic, recreational, and heritage infrastructure. It boasts 121 theaters and 13 auditoriums, along with a wide network of independent venues. There are 150 reading spaces under the BibloRed system, including 30 physical libraries, and 63 museums focused on art, memory, science, and heritage. Notable venues include the Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Teatro El Ensueño, Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo, Teatro Colón, and the National Center for Arts Delia Zapata Olivella. Bogotá has also become one of the leading hubs for live music. In 2025 alone, the city hosted 2,243 concerts, drawing nearly four million attendees. Venues such as Movistar Arena, Vive Claro Distrito Cultural, El Campín stadium, Coliseo MedPlus, and Simón Bolívar Park have enabled Bogotá to host national and international tours. Major events like the Estéreo Picnic and Cordillera festivals, the Festivals al Parque, and the International Book Fair of Bogotá (FILBo) contribute to this dynamic scene. Platforms such as ARTBO, Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM), and Bogotá Music Market (BOmm) further enhance the city's cultural footprint. Santiago Trujillo Escobar, Secretary of Culture, Recreation, and Sports, stated that Bogotá is recognized for its leadership in the region, with many of its projects studied by cultural leaders across the continent. He emphasized that the recognition will make Bogotá a gravitational center for culture in 2027. The designation of Ibero-American Capital of Culture was established by the UCCI in 1991 to highlight the cultural diversity, historical richness, and heritage of the chosen city, as well as its contributions to regional cultural and artistic processes. For Bogotá, this recognition will strengthen its international presence, deepen collaboration with other Ibero-American cities, and introduce its cultural offerings to new audiences. This honor coincides with a particularly significant year for Bogotá, which will host the second edition of the International Biennale of Art and City, BOG27, one of the region’s key projects. The city aims to leverage this opportunity to showcase its cultural vibrancy and reinforce its role as a pivotal player in the Ibero-American cultural landscape.