All about the 2025 Petronio Álvarez Festival in Cali: dates, competing groups, pavilions, and activities.

To the rhythm of chonta marimbas, cununos, guasás, and the songs of women from the Pacific, the 29th edition of the Petronio Álvarez Festival began yesterday, August 13th in Cali (Valle del Cauca). This year, the festival features five themed pavilions and 52 competing musical groups, the highest number in its history.

El Petronio is a family-friendly space that celebrates the traditions of the Colombian Pacific. Visitors can enjoy more than 200 stands of gastronomy, traditional beverages, crafts, and fashion , as well as an academic program that invites them to learn about and reflect on the region's biodiversity and cultural richness.

Under the motto "The Great House of the Pacific," the festival has not only established itself as a key space for preserving the region's traditions , but has also become a driving force for tourism and the local economy.

According to the Santiago de Cali Tourism Observatory, last year around 600,000 attendees participated during the six-day program. Sixty-five percent of the visitors came from other cities in the country, while 28 percent were international visitors from countries such as Spain, France, the United States, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Germany.

The Regional Tourism Information System (SITUR) of Valle del Cauca projects an arrival of 34,200 visitors, with an international participation rate of 14 percent. Hotel occupancy is also estimated at 75 percent and tourism revenues of $5 million.

The Secretary of Economic Development, Mábel Lara, stated that this festival is the opening of a series of events that will take place in the second half of the year in the capital of Valle del Cauca.

"This festival attracts audiences from destinations such as the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom, who come to our city motivated by the unique experience offered by the Petronio. It is essential for us to prepare Cali so that both its citizens and our visitors find a robust cultural offering , vibrant traditional cuisine, quality hotel services, and initiatives that strengthen the city's tourism and economic promotion," the official stated.

The 29th edition of the festival focuses on mangroves, considered the guardians of biodiversity on the Pacific coast. Music, ancestral knowledge, artistic expressions, and gastronomy intertwine around these ecosystems.

According to singer and composer Nidia Góngora, who will be honored at the closing ceremony, mangroves represent life, hope, conservation, and biodiversity for the Colombian Pacific.

Among the spaces that fairgoers will be able to enjoy are:

Until August 17, there will be a varied program. On the main stage, for example, 52 groups will compete in five categories :

National and international bands such as Marly Murillo, Heriberto Bonilla, and Pacifican Power will also perform during the event. For the full program, click here .

Please note that the opening of the music competition will take place today, August 14th, at 6:00 pm. Participants are:

Free grouping modality

Cauca violin ensemble modality

Marimba modality and traditional songs

Clarinet shawm modality

Today, the guest department is Nariño, which will participate with performances by Milagro de la Hostia (dance and musical group), and Fuego y Marea (manglaria -dance- and changó).

ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614