Cali kicked off its 52nd feria Friday, an annual tradition of seven days of non-stop partying with a parade featuring 2000 salsa and samba dancers, salsa orchestras Niche and Guayacan, performances from 30 dance local schools and international salsa and samba stars Yoldance from Cuba and the Leopold Samba School from Brazil.
The parade kicked off at 1PM and be followed by a concert opening the celebration of feria featuring Eddie Palmeiri with La Perfecta II, Latin Grammy award winners Chocquibtown, and Alfredo Linares .
The theme of the parade was “the influence”. This year’s feria promises to be memorable and tickets to most events were sold out before the feria started. Ticketless tourists can still find a spot on the streets to enjoy festivities.
Equine aficionados can enjoy the cabalgata tomorrow, a controversial Cali tradition. Despite complaints from animal rights groups, the show will go on.
The youth concert held at the Canchas Panamericanas on December 26th will feature artists Superlitio, Mojarra Electrica, TonoBarrio, and La 33.
December 27th and 28th feature events geared towards the family, a non-stop salsa presentation at Teatro Cristales and the Cali Viejo Carnaval featuring local folklore legends.
Another event not to be missed is the Pacific Day at the Chamber of Commerce on December 29th followed by the antique carshow featuring over 200 classic cars. The evening will conclude with a Super concert featuring Marc Antony, Vicente Fernandez, Jorge Celedon and other salsa artists.
Feria after parties are a legendary part of the festival. For those who prefer tango, Jakara will be hosting tango shows December 27th and 29th in Barrio San Fernando at the old Gastronomy School with tango world champion dancers. for more information, call 514.2242. On the 29th the Pacific Quintet will be presenting at Mi Casa. In Ciudad Jardin, Restuarant Era de Luz will be hosting Cabas and Yuri Buenaventura. Era de Luz is located at Cra 100 #15-82. To reserve, call 370.5570.
Music fans can take their pick of artists at the Rumbodromo, and tickets are priced at 60.000 COP. There will also be gatherings and concerts in the Parque de los Musicos where salsa fans can expand their collections.
The feria will close with the festival of orchestras on December 30th. For more information about upcoming events, consult www.feriadecali.com .
