Cartagena‘s Hay Festival is Colombia’s most renowned literary festival and has been able to book world-famous writers like Salman Rushdie and Nathan Englander. For those who haven’t seen Juanes perform in Colombia yet, he’s opening the festival Thursday.
Colombia Travel Agent – Mantaraya Travel
Juanes, joined by Spanish singer Miguel Bosé, will kick off the festival that lasts until Monday February 2.
The festival is mostly about literature, but is certainly not limited to written or recited prose and poetry. There will also be music, documentaries, discussions about media-related issues, lectures and whatnot.
Just like with the earlier held Cartagena Music Festival, the organization involves the communities of Colombia’s most famous coastal city and tries to avoid becoming an overly literary event in a city that knows too much analphabetism.
Writers will discuss literature with locals and inhabitants of the barrios make murals and perform in community theater groups or be able to see more accessible shows in the community centers around the town.
Tickets for specific festival events can be bought online.