Barranquilla unveiled a stunning 7.5-meter bronze statue of actress Sofia Vergara on July 10, 2025—her 53rd birthday—at the Gran Malecón. The sculpture honors Vergara’s global success and unwavering connection to her hometown. Vergara’s statue can be found close to Shakira’s statue on the Gran Malecón.
The monument depicts Sofia Vergara pointing toward a star while wearing a deep blue dress symbolizing the Caribbean Sea and the Magdalena River. Her golden skin tone reflects the warmth of Colombia’s coastal people. The star-touching gesture symbolizes her rise to international fame without losing her identity.
Mayor Alejandro Char led the ceremony, praising Vergara’s authenticity, joy, and perseverance: “She’s always remained true to who she is—her accent, her perseverance, her joy. And look how far she’s come.”
Renowned sculptor Yino Márquez created the statue with help from six students and alumni from Barranquilla’s District School of Arts (EDA). Márquez, who also sculpted Shakira’s statue, conducted an extensive study of Vergara’s facial expressions before crafting the clay model and casting it in bronze.
The project took seven months and involved a 35-person team. According to Márquez, the mayor tasked him with capturing the actress’s essence: “She reached her star but remains among Barranquilla’s brightest.”
Located along Colombia’s most-visited park, the Gran Malecón, the statue joins a growing local Walk of Fame. The city aims to celebrate more icons like Esthercita Forero, showing the world that Barranquilla produces international stars.
Sofia Vergara, born in Barranquilla in 1972, began as a model and TV host in Latin America. She later achieved worldwide fame in Modern Family, earning four Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, plus seven SAG Awards. She also starred in and produced the 2024 Netflix series Griselda.
Beyond acting, Vergara built a powerful brand, launching fashion, beauty, and fragrance lines. In 2020, she became a judge on America’s Got Talent, reinforcing her status as a versatile cultural icon.
Although Vergara couldn’t attend the unveiling, she shared the moment online, receiving thousands of messages and reaffirming her place as a proud symbol of Colombian talent and beauty.
