Between lights and shadows: the commemoration of the centenary of the independence of Cartagena, modernization and city imaginary

Abstract

This article discusses the modernization process facing the city of Cartagena and the imaginaries of city shown in the context of the celebration of the independence’s centennial on November 11, 1911. Also, it is exposed how the modernization process -led by the elites of the city- has favored the aesthetic and monumental aspects over other aspects of material development which were of vital importance to meet the basic needs that had the majority of the population of Cartagena and the way this fact led many social sectors to reject this imaginary on the development of the city.