Colombia’s third largest city, Cali, is abuzz this week as it celebrates its 18th annual Pacific music and culture festival from August 13 to 17.
Cali’s five-day Petronio Alvarez Festival celebrates the cultural diversity and social inclusion of Colombia’s Pacific coast region with free concerts, dance performances, workshops, and academic lectures, according to Cali’s Mayoral Office.
In addition to numerous concerts and dance performances, visitors and caleños alike can get a taste of the Pacific region’s diverse culinary traditions thanks to the range of food stalls selling typical dishes throughout the festival, according to the Cali de Rumba website.
As well as celebrating Afro-Colombian culture through food, song, and dance, there is also a series of “academic encounters” where a range of guest lecturers from around the world share their specialist studies in African music.
Colombia’s Pacific coast region is one of the focal points of Afro-Colombian culture, with its own mix of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. Traditionally, groups and special guests are invited from across the African diaspora to facilitate one of the festival’s primary functions of spurring cultural dialogue.
Events will be hosted around the city, however, Cali’s Cultural Center, located on Carrera 5 #6–05, will serve as the epicenter of this year’s festival.
A taste of 2013’s Petronio Alvarez Festival; Rancho Aparte’s (Quibdo) performance
Sources
- Historia del Festival Petronio Álvarez que se inicia este miércoles (Cali municipal office website)
- CON ‘CANTOS DE ORILLA’, SE INICIÓ EL PETRONIO (Cali de Rumba)
