This weekend – August 24 and 25 – Bogotá becomes the epicenter of a cultural celebration as the much-anticipated Colombia al Parque (Colombia in the Park) music festival returns, capturing the rhythms and sounds that define the nation’s musical landscape. The festival, set against the scenic backdrop of Parque de los Novios, is not just an event but a symbol of Bogotá’s commitment to hosting cultural events through music. This year, the festival takes on a particularly poignant theme: “When the River Sounds,” (Cuando el Río Suena…) a tribute to Colombia’s rivers that have long been the union of its cultural and social heritage.
Since its inception, Colombia al Parque has been more than just a stage for performances; it has evolved into a cultural institution that unites Bogotá’s residents, offering them an opportunity to experience the vast array of musical traditions from across the country. This year’s event is no exception, with an impressive lineup that includes six national acts, three international artists, and eight local performers. The diversity of genres, ranging from the deep-rooted rhythms of the Pacific coast to the vibrant beats of the Caribbean, highlights the festival’s role in preserving and promoting the diverse music of Colombia.
When the River Sounds
The theme of this Colombia al Parque – “When the River Sounds” – reflects a deep connection to rivers, which are more than just physical entities; they are carriers of culture, history, and life itself. The Magdalena River and the southern Pacific region, in particular, will be at the forefront of the programming, bringing attention to the unique sounds and traditions that have flourished along their banks.
The festival will feature renowned national groups such as Herencia de Timbiquí from Timbiquí, Gaiteros de Pueblo Santo from Barranquilla, and Sol Nacer from Cauca. Each of these groups represents a different region of Colombia, and the musical styles that flourish within the country. From the Afro-Colombian sounds of the Pacific coast to the indigenous rhythms of the Andes, the festival promises to be a journey through Colombia’s musical heritage.
In addition to the national acts, Colombia al Parque will also feature Semblanzas del Río Guapí from Guapí, Valle del Cauca, Zaider from Cartagena, and the Filarmónia de Musica Colombiana – Philharmonic of Colombian Music – under the direction of maestro Jorge Andrés Arbeláez Rendón. These performances will highlight the rich tapestry of sounds that define Colombian music, from traditional folk tunes to modern orchestral interpretations.
An International Stage in the Heart of Bogotá
Colombia al Parque is not just about showcasing national talent; it is also a platform for international artists who bring their unique sounds to visitors. This year, the legendary Venezuelan orchestra Billos Caracas Boys will grace the stage on Saturday (4:30 pm) bringing with them a rich history of tropical music that has influenced generations. Their blend of merengue, cumbia, and bolero is a testament to the enduring power of music to cross borders and connect people.
From Mexico, Colombia al Parque welcomes Lila Downs, a singer known for her powerful fusion of traditional and contemporary music. Her songs, often imbued with social commentary, resonate deeply with audiences who appreciate music that speaks to both the heart and mind. Additionally, Chilean singer and composer Pascuala Ilabaca will perform on Sunday (3:30 pm) offering a unique blend of traditional and modern sounds that reflect the evolving nature of music in Latin America.
Other important acts include Ukamau Colombia, Bituin, Guaita, Agrupación Llamarada, Absalón y AfroPacífico, Macuira, El Turco Perro, and Los Vitocos, selected by district administration through the Colombia al Parque Festival Grant. This grant aims to highlight and promote local talent, allowing these artists to showcase their work and connect with new audiences.
Bogotá’s Commitment to Cultural Access
One of the most important aspects of Colombia al Parque is its accessibility. The festival is free to the public, making it a vital platform for cultural exchange and community building. By offering such star-studded performances at no cost, Bogotá ensures that people from all walks of life can experience Colombia from different vantage points.
María Claudia Parias, director of the District Institute of the Arts (Idartes), emphasizes the importance of Colombia al Parque in fostering a sense of unity among Bogotá’s residents. “Colombia al Parque has established itself as a celebration where Bogotá families appreciate and value the country’s cultural diversity,” she explains. “It has always focused on programming regional and popular Colombian music from all regions of the country, fostering the meeting of cultures, sounds, and people from different territorial and aesthetic backgrounds. Additionally, it has become an important platform for the promotion and circulation of Bogotá and national musical projects.”
A Festival Beyond Music
While the music is the main attraction, Colombia al Parque offers much more than performances. The festival will feature an alternative music space where guest DJs will provide a different auditory experience, alternating with the main stage performances. For those interested in gastronomy, a dedicated area will showcase some of the best traditional dishes from across the country, offering a taste of Colombia’s rich culinary palates.
In addition, the festival will host an Art and Entrepreneurship Zone, where local entrepreneurs will present their products and services, providing a platform for small businesses to reach a broader audience. This initiative highlights the festival’s role in supporting local economies and fostering creative industries.
The festival’s commitment to cultural education is evident in its academic segment, which features workshops and discussions led by invited artists and cultural managers. One of the highlights of this segment was a talk by maestro Jorge Velosa, on August 22, who discussed his latest book, Historiando mi cantar, a journey through carranga music and his native department of Boyacá. This event at the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center offered a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the rural narratives at the heart of Colombian music.
A Celebration of Unity
As Bogotá welcomes another edition of Colombia al Parque, the city reaffirms its role as a cultural hub where diversity is not just celebrated but also embraced. The festival is more than a series of performances; it is a reflection of the city’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and access, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the sounds that make Colombia celebrated in global venues.
This weekend, as the music flows through the city like the rivers it honors, Bogotá will once again prove that it is a city where culture thrives, uniting people through the power of song. María Claudia Parias captures this sentiment perfectly: “For this celebration of music, diversity, and Colombia’s identity in Bogotá, we have four fundamental objectives: to promote citizen trust through public space gatherings, to foster civic culture and peaceful coexistence in the capital, to create free and massive spectacles, and to become platforms for artistic circulation.”
Bogotá’s Festivales al Parque (Festivals in the Park) have successfully brought together over 670,000 attendees, 8 percent of whom come from other cities in Colombia and around the world. In 2024, this number is expected to rise to 800,000 participants, considering the full reactivation of cultural events in the city’s parks and plazas, along with the emergence of two new festivals: Popular al Parque and Vallenato al Parque. This year’s Colombia al Parque is expected to receive more than 80,000 guests. And not to be missed, the 25-year milestone of the one of the most legendary rock music festivals in Latin America – Rock al Parque – from November 9 to 11.
On Saturday, the inaugural concert starts at 1:00 pm with Agrupación LLamarada and closes with Herencia de Timbiquí at 8:30 pm. On Sunday, Guaita hits the stage at 12:30 pm, and the ceremonial closing performance will be delivered by Mexican singer/songwriter Lila Downs (7:25 pm).
As part of the district’s slate of “Eco-Festivals”, after Colombia Al Parque, audiences can enjoy two very popular outdoor festivals – Jazz Al Parque (September 28-29) and Salsa Al Parque (October 5-6) – each a celebration of the universal language of music.
Colombia Al Parque – Parque de los Novios
Address: Calle 63 No.45-10
Free Admission
