From August
14-19, the city hosts the Petronio Álvarez Music Festival,
one of Latin America's most
significant celebrations of Afro-heritage. As the year unfolds,
Cali will also be the stage for
global sustainability discussions at COP16 in October, followed by the Cali Fair in
December.
ATLANTA, Aug. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Colombia has become the top destination for
U.S. visitors in South America,
and for good reason. The "Country of Beauty's" commitment to
showcasing its 10% share of the planet's biodiversity and rich
cultural diversity has earned it several international tourism
awards, including the recent title of Best Afro Tourist
Destination in the World at the World Travel Market (WTM).
"Our country's beauty spans six regions, and as tourism
continues to grow to unprecedented levels, destinations like
Cali are key attractions. Known
for its cultural heritage and festivals like the Petronio Álvarez
and the Cali Fair, which occurs in December, this is a place where
every beat tells a story," said Carmen
Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country's promotion
agency.
According to Ricardo Berris,
Founder & CEO of MI Group USA
and Chairman, Global Opportunities Committee of the Atlanta Black
Chambers, Cali is the heart of
Colombia's Afro community.
"There's nothing like being with African brothers and sisters,
manifesting our rich culture that you'll only see at the Petronio
Álvarez Festival," he said.
This year's festival expands to new locations like the River's
Boulevard. Over 3,500 artists will showcase traditional
instruments, Pacific cuisine, and handcrafted goods. Expected to
attract over 500,000 visitors, the festival celebrates culture and
boosts the local economy.
"Afro-Colombian communities on the Pacific coast embody the
principle that 'nature is culture, culture is conservation.' Their
stewardship is not just a local treasure but a global model for
sustainability. This Festival provides the perfect stage to
showcase these traditions, celebrating their invaluable
contributions to global conservation efforts with flair and
vibrancy", said Daniel García-Peña, Ambassador of Colombia to the US.
Easily accessible from North
America, with direct and connecting flights as short as
three to six hours, Colombia
offers quite the adventure. As the Petronio Álvarez Festival kicks
off, and as the city prepares to host events like the COP16 and the Cali Fair, now is the time to
experience the magic of Colombia— a country redefining beauty
through its commitment to cultural and environmental
preservation.
Learn more at Colombia.travel/en.
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SOURCE PROCOLOMBIA