The most important music festival in Colombia is the “Festival of the Vallenato Legend”, which it takes place every year since 1968 in Valledupar. This year, the event takes place between the 26th and the 30th of April. Being a special occasion as it is the 50th Anniversary, its precursors will be honoured, whom made possible the birth of vallenato and its development until become in the emblem of Colombian folk. Every ten years, a “king of kings” is chosen between the winners of all the festivals. This year, the forth “king of kings” will be elected. Besides, it will be a forum where the history of the festival will be explained.
WHEN: Every year on end of April.
WHERE: Different parks in Valledupar. Different location every day for every event.
WHY TO GO: It is an authentic Colombian festivity and, especially in a region which is proud of spread this unique rhythm, and which has been declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
WHAT TO DO: The festival can be enjoyed in 3 different ways: go to a parranda, to a competition or to a concert.
A parranda is an informal party that someone organizes in a hacienda, usually at the outskirts of Valledupar. A big group of friends or family members gather together and sing in the courtyard or inside the house. Traditionally, people don´t dance in parrandas.
The competitions are organized events. The audience complements the jury. If they don´t like the artist, they will put pressure so he goes disqualified.
There are concerts taking place in the park Francisco Hombre, in the Pedregosa and also at the river Guatapurí. Artists such as Carlos Vives perform at these platforms.
