Tens of thousands of Salsa lovers from Colombia and the rest of the world will flock to Cali at the end of December to experience the spectacular Feria de Cali.
From December 25 to 30 the parades, dance shows and live music of the 55th annual salsa festival will transform Colombia’s third biggest city into a hive of activity.
The festival’s main attraction will be the Cali Viejo Carnival on December 28, where over a thousand people will parade through the Fair Freeway.
This year the parade will consist of seven sections displaying a plethora of costumes, colors, rhythms and characters. These sections will explore the themes of nature and environment, nationalities of Cali, historical events, popular traditions, myths and landmarks of the city, the collective imagination and institutional and loose costume parades.
General coordinator of the festival Beatriz Barros is anticipating a fun-filled event indicative of those which have come before.
“This year is no different. The carnival is the same as always: lively, colorful, cheerful and traditional. What is new is people’s reactions, you can always be surprised. This is the event most dear to Cali at the fair” said Barros.
Entrance fees for this event are $16 for a spot in the gallery, or free for standing.
As with years gone by the Feria will kick off with the “Salsadromo” at noon on December 25. It’s a 5-hour long, half mile parade that sees the 25 best salsa schools in the city shimmy through the streets. The event is not a competition between schools however, but a cultural celebration.
Year upon year this event proves to be hugely popular among the visitors with its exceptional display of young talented salsa dancers. A seat in the stands for this show will set you back $32.
Another popular spectacle is the “Superconcierto” on December 27 at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero.
This musical extravaganza will be presented by Gran Combo of Puerto Rico, Grupo Niche, Van Van from Cuba, J Balvin, Luis Alberto Posada, Perez and Los Chinces Vallenatos.
Meanwhile the parade of antique motor vehicles on December 29 offers the crowd a break from the intense dance performances.
Full details of event times and locations are available at www.feriadecali.com.