Sofía Vergara received a special gift from her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia: a towering bronze statue unveiled at the Gran Malecón del Río Magdalena. Standing at an impressive 7.5 m (24.7 ft) and weighing around 5.5 tonnes, it was sculpted by acclaimed local artist Yino Márquez.
Capturing Essence in Bronze
To design the sculpture, Yino Márquez conducted extensive research—studying photographs and videos of Sofía to capture her essence: elegance, charm, and Caribbean pride. The choice of materials—bronze and aluminum—was intentional to convey both her strength and sophistication, while her flowing gown echoes the colors of the Magdalena River and Caribbean Sea. Her outstretched hand holding a star symbolizes the constellation of global talents she represents.
Civic Pride and Official Praise
The unveiling was led by Mayor Alejandro Char, who celebrated Sofía’s enduring connection to her roots. “Barranquilla is at your feet,” he declared. “Sofía Vergara has never stopped being Barranquillera—her perseverance and joy have taken her far”. From planning in early 2024 to the July 2025 reveal, this was part of a broader initiative to honor the city’s most iconic figures—joining women like Shakira, whose statue has stood nearby since late 2023.
The Statue Sparks Social Buzz
As soon as images emerged, social media ignited with diverse reactions. Some users praised the tribute, celebrating it as a fitting tribute to Barranquilla’s glamorous daughter. Others criticized the statue’s likeness or felt it resembled a perfume bottle more than the actress . Memes spread quickly, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with quips like, “Another statue that doesn’t look like her,” and playful references to commissioning a statue of reality star Altafulla next. Comparisons to Shakira’s statue intensified the discussion—some accused the project of becoming a rivalry, while others thought the two memorials complemented each other .
Sofía’s Response: Heartfelt and Grateful
Although no reaction was immediate at unveiling, Sofía took to Instagram on July 12, expressing her gratitude:
“Thank you, my dear Barranquilla… I never imagined my story, my work, and my dreams would leave such a significant mark… I owe everything to the strength, courage, and joy of this land.”
She emphasized that the monument honors not just her, but all Barranquilleros, including her family and community who supported her journey.
Cultural Icon and Global Inspiration
Sofía Vergara—born July 10, 1972 in Barranquilla—rose from local TV host to Hollywood stardom, gaining worldwide fame as Gloria Delgado‑Pritchett on Modern Family (2009–2020). She continued to shine, recently earning acclaim for her role in the Netflix series Griselda (2024). This statue cements her legacy as a cultural ambassador—another celebrated figure immortalized—alongside Shakira—on the city’s scenic waterfront. It marks a poignant celebration of Barranquilla’s global daughters.
Final Reflection
Sofía Vergara’s statue is more than a sculptural likeness—it’s a public testament to her enduring spirit, achievements, and hometown pride. It stands as a beacon on the Malecón, symbolizing ambition, roots, and recognition. Whether celebrated or critiqued, it has sparked dialogue, laughter, and love—the same blend of charisma the actress embodies. Barranquilla can now boast not one, but two iconic statues honoring its international stars. Whether one prefers Sofía’s elegance or Shakira’s rhythm, both sculptures are reminders: sometimes our hometown heroes become our proudest landmarks.
