Festivals in Colombia

Main Colombian Carnivals

*The Bogotá Carnival (Spanish: "Carnaval de Bogotá") starting around August 6, in order to commemorate the founding of the city, is a combination of various cultural events including masquerades, dances, and parades, among others. Parallel to this, the Bogotá Summer Festival is held, in which there are different social, cultural and sporting events, mainly in the area near the Simon Bolivar Park

*Rock at the park (Spanish : "Rock Al Parque") in October, is the second largest rock festival in Latinamerica, after Rock in Rio. Around 1000 rock bands have participated in this event; both local and international bands. Apocalyptica, Slipknot, Plastilina Mosh and Manu Chao have performed in Rock al Parque, among other internationally famous bands. The event is held annually in Simon Bolivar Park in Bogotá.

* The Iberoamerican Theater Festival held in Bogotá every two years, is the biggest theater festival in the world.

* Carnival of Blacks and Whites hihi("Spanish: Carnaval de Negros y Blancos") held from January 4 to January 6 in Pasto. Its origins date back to the Spanish rule times when slaves were allowed to celebrate on 5th and their masters showed their approval on 6th by painting their faces black. On these days they either put grease or talcum powder on their faces.

* Manizales Fair ("Spanish: Feria de Manizales") celebrated in the city of Manizales the first weeks of the year. Costume groups in fancy dress take over the city. A congeniality coffee queen is elected and bullfighting ("Spanish:faenas") takes place.

* Riosucio´s Carnival ("Spanish: Carnaval de Riosucio") held in Riosucio Caldas from January 2 to January 8 each two years. It's famous because rescue past traditions with a mixture of art, music and customes by groups called Cuadrilas", drinking the traditional Guarapo" (drink based on fermented maize) carried in Calabazos". During the carnival, the image of a cool and happy devil is exhibitted.

*Barranquilla's Carnival ("Spanish: Carnaval de Barranquilla"), with a century long recorded history it holds the second largest carnival parades in the world after Rio de Janeiro's.

*Bambuco y Sanjuanero Festivals in Neiva held on June 28 and June 29 for Saint Peter's and Saint Paul's days.

*Cali Fair ("Spanish: Feria de Cali"), held in Cali from December 25 to New Year's Eve. It is famous for its Salsa marathon concerts attended by renown Salsa bands. There are horse riding parades ("Spanish: cabalgatas"), masquerades and dances groups.

*The Flowers Fair ("Spanish: Feria de las Flores"), is held during August in the city of Medellín with its flowers parade and the main attraction called the Desfile de Silleteros.

Regional and folkloric festivities

* "Folkloric Festival, Bambuco National Contest and International Folklore Show" ("Spanish: Festival Folclórico, Reinado Nacional del Bambuco y Muestra Internacional del Folclor") in Neiva. Mostly known as "Saint Peter" festivities (Spanish: Fiestas del San Pedro) held between the last two weeks of June and early July.

* Pubenza Festivities ("Spanish: Fiestas de Pubenza"), in Popayán, known for its competition of Chirimias ("folkloric musical groups").

*Colombian Folklore Festival ("Spanish: Festival Folklórico Colombiano") in Ibagué.

*Medellin's Tango Street ("Spanish: Tangovía") on Carlos Gardel Avenue in the suburb of Manrique.

*Joropo National Festival ("Spanish: Festival Nacional del Joropo") in Villavicencio in December.

*Candles and Lanterns Festival ("Spanish: Fiesta de Velas y Faroles") is held in Quimbaya, Quindío on December 7 and 8. Each of the barrios in the township compete to produce the most spectacular lighting arrangements.

*The Yipao or Jeep Parade in Armenia, Colombia

*Green Moon Festival ("Spanish: Festival de la Luna Verde") celebrated in San Andres y Providencia Islands, this is a unique festival with characteristics that make it different from any other festival in Colombia. Here the Afro-Caribbean influence is very strong, and predominance of the English language lyrics of Calypso and Reggae.

*Vallenato Legend Festival ("Spanish: Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata"). Held in Valledupar, Cesar, in April or May. The festival is a celebration of vallenato music and also a competition to find the best accordionist of the year and to select the Vallenato King ("Spanish: Rey Vallenato") among hundreds of participants from all over the country.

*Rock at the park festival ("Spanish" "Rock al parque") It takes place every year in Bogotá City. It is the biggest free-entry event in Latin America. Different rock bands from around the world gather in different locations. The Festival was originally created to support new bands.

References

*http://www.turiscolombia.andes.com/ferias_festivales_fiestas_colombia.html
*http://www.colombiadefiesta.com/