Vallenato Legend Festival

The Vallenato Legend Festival is one of Colombia's most cherished musical events, held every April in Valledupar, Cesar Department. This festival, which began in 1968, was created to honor vallenato music—a genre native to Colombia's northern coast—and to celebrate the religious festivity of "The Virgin of the Rosario." Organized by the Fundación Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, the festival aims to preserve and promote vallenato music as an essential part of Colombia's cultural heritage.

The festival's main attraction is the vallenato music contest, where talented musicians compete by showcasing their skills on the accordion and other traditional vallenato instruments. Experienced judges evaluate the participants on their performances across various vallenato rhythms. Special awards, such as the prestigious La Pilonera Mayor, are also given to distinguished composers and performers in the genre.

But that's not all—the festival is replete with a variety of events. The Piloneras Parade is a vibrant spectacle where traditional dances take center stage. Record labels use the festival as a platform to present their artists, nightclubs host lively vallenato parties, and families come together for "parrandas" which are joyous gatherings filled with music and dance. Cultural activities such as debates, symposia, and art exhibitions also enhance the festival experience. While not officially part of the festival, cockfighting tournaments are a traditional attraction that many attendees look forward to.