The southern Colombia town of Florencia, Caqueta, is planning a day of cultural events and trade exhibitions on December 18 in an effort to revive business in the region in the countdown to Christmas, reports La Nacion.
“Florence: United and Awake” is the slogan for the day which will see the city transformed into a carnival, with different activities taking place around the center.
Music and cultural performances will entertain crowds at Santander Park until 1AM, while in Plaza San Francisco, a more family-orientated line up of Christmas puppet shows, TV characters and children’s rides is on the agenda.
Local boutique owners will stage a fashion show on a catwalk set up on Calle 13, between Carreras 13 and 14.
Chairperson of Florencia’s Chamber of Commerce Moya Eduardo Contreras said that the organization of the event had so far gone well, with different public and private bodies contributing to what should be a great day.
“With this event we hope to revive trade in the year-end season; it will be the most important commercial event of the year,” said Contreras.
Roads will be closed around the center of Florencia, but public transport will run until 1AM.
A strong police presence will ensure safety in the center of town, while the army will secure the outskirts of the city at least until the end of the day.