Bogotá celebrates 480 years with its Festival de Verano

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The 22nd Summer Festival in Bogotá is already in full swing, and the public can look forward to an entire week of music concerts, sports shows, and arts and culture programs. Although every day is jam-packed with different things to do, here a few of the not-to-be-missed events taking place at Parque Simón Bolívar. Entrance to all activities and concerts is free.

To celebrate Bogotá’s 480th birthday, the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra and the legendary Colombian rock band Aterciopelados will perform together on Monday evening. The show will be followed by a fireworks display. Aterciopelados has more than 25 years in the music scene and was one of Colombia’s first bands to reach international stardom. The concert will also be the first time the group performs its classic songs with a symphonic twist.

Lovers of gospel music shouldn’t miss the Bogota Gospel Festival taking place on Tuesday 7 August. Festival-goers can enjoy performances by the renowned singers Marco Barriento from Mexico, Kike Pavón from Spain, and Redimi2, Philipe, Rubinsky Rbk and Nathan the Prophet from the Dominican Republic. National groups include La Reforma, Gilberto Daza, Real Hero and Musiko, as well as Juanse, the winner of La Voz Kids. The concert starts at 2 pm and runs until 10 pm. Expect more fireworks!

The Gran Festival de La Kalle will close the festivities on Sunday 12 August. The lineup includes a mix of traditional Mexican music, vallenato and urban beats performed by both International and local artists. Mexican mariachi singer, Christian Nodal, will headline the concert.

As the August winds sweep across the Eastern Andes, Bogotá takes to the skies with kites swaying along major Avenues and chance for families to test their acrobatic skills. One of highlights of this year’s festival is a kite flying tournament in which participants will try to break a Guinness World Record for the biggest kites hovering in the sky above Bogotá. For those who want to remain grounded, a mass yoga gathering is scheduled in Los Novios park.

Bogotanos love their Sunday bicycles routes and Night Bike Rides. So to celebrate the city’s most popular and eco-friendly mode of transport, a Night Bike Ride offers participants a chance to see some of the best landmarks on two wheels.

For more information regarding the festival’s daily program visit: www.idrd.gov.co/festival2018

Although not part of the Summer Festival, Rock al Parque is another big celebration in the city; attracting metalheads and hardcore moshers by the thousands. From 18 to 20 August, reggae, rock, death metal, punk and calypso music will take over Parque Simón Bolívar as over 50 stellar bands take to three stages. International artists include Pennywise (USA, punk rock), Pussy Riot (controversial Russian feminist punk), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (Japanese, ska and rock), Dancing Mood (Argentina, reggae), HMLTD (UK, glam rock), Lee Ranaldo (USA, co-founder of Sonic Youth) and Jupiter & Okwess (Congo, urban groove).

Visit the official website for times and dates of band performances: www.rockalparque.gov.co

Take note that an ID is required to enter the premises. Umbrellas, food, and drinks are not allowed into the event. Festival organizers recommend bringing waterproof jackets and leaving shoes with metal tips on them at home.

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