Monumento a Los Raqueros

The monument depicts four bronze figures of young boys positioned at the waterfront, frozen in the moment just before they dive into the bay. The sculptures stand near Paseo de Pereda with informational plaques that explain the lives of these young divers.

The sculpture was created to commemorate the raqueros, children who earned their living by diving for coins and lost objects in the bay until the tradition ended in the 1960s. This practice was woven into the city's port life and vanished as the city changed.

The monument honors young divers who were once part of the city's everyday life and were immortalized in local literature. These bronze figures keep their memory alive as an important part of Santander's identity.

The monument is located by the waterfront next to the Botin Centre and is easy to reach on foot. The surrounding area offers plenty of space to explore and the nearby promenade makes it ideal for a relaxing visit.

A well-known former raquero named Kalin had his ashes scattered in the waters near this sculpture, creating a final bond with the bay he once worked in. This act of remembrance links the sculpture to the living history of the city in a personal way.

Location: Santander

Inception: 1999

Creator: José Cobo Calderón

Address: Paseo Marítimo

GPS coordinates: 43.46189,-3.79819

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:30