A Ferris Wheel has officially arrived in Barranquilla, and its frameworks are already at the Malecón del Río. A viral video on social media confirmed the arrival of the attraction, which promises to become one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
One of the Largest Ferris Wheels in Latin America
The Barranquilla Ferris wheel will feature 44 cabins, each with a capacity of 8 people, allowing 352 passengers to enjoy the ride at once. With a height of 63 meters, it will stand as one of the largest in Latin America. Authorities expect the wheel to be completed and inaugurated by March 2026.
The Italian company Fabbri Group built the attraction, bringing international expertise to this ambitious project. Tourists and locals alike can look forward to panoramic views of Barranquilla and the Magdalena River, making it a must-visit destination.
The Controversy Behind the Project
Despite the excitement, the project has faced controversy. The Ferris wheel contract sparked a dispute between two major Barranquilla businessmen.
In 2019, entrepreneur Samuel Tcherassi initially secured the contract alongside Italian partners Fabbri Group. However, the pandemic halted the project and canceled the 15-year concession. In 2024, Mayor Alejandro Char’s administration awarded a new contract to Fabbri Group, this time without Tcherassi. Instead, local businessman Hugo Vargas, a close ally of Char, partnered with the Italians.
Investigations revealed that Vargas and Char allegedly engaged in preliminary negotiations with Fabbri months before the official bidding process. These reports raised concerns about irregularities in the project’s awarding.
A New Landmark for Tourism in Barranquilla
Although the Ferris Wheel in Barranquilla comes with controversy, it is expected to become a major tourist attraction, boosting the city’s profile and drawing thousands of visitors to the Malecón del Río.
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