The Cali Fair is the most important cultural event in the capital of Valle del Cauca. It is a sample of the folklore and joy of its people, as well as being a tribute to the flavor and rhythm of salsa; a genre that has given international recognition to the city known as the World Capital of Salsa. It is a festival that originated as the Cane Fair in 1957, which is held annually between December 25 and 30 with the aim of commemorating resilience and reaffirming the strength of the people of Cali through art, culture and value, thus being an obligatory destination for all lovers of dance and music.
During the fair, more than 50 events are usually offered for locals and tourists of all ages and tastes to enjoy themselves to the fullest. Salsódromo, parade of classic and old cars, the Superconcert, the verbena and many more events without neglecting the exquisite cuisine of Cali, in which the aborrajados, luladas, empanadas, chontaduros and more local delicacies stand out. To consider, the Tascas are traditional places located in the Parque de la Retreta where visitors can eat and enjoy a wide range of dishes with live shows.
For the 65th version of the fair held in 2022, the celebration will not only take place at specific points of the parades and concerts, but will go to all the 22 communes, the 15 corregimientos with the Rural and Community Fair. Also, for this version, the Government of Valle del Cauca and the Departmental Cultural Secretariat will hold the Fiesta de Mi Pueblo: a multicolored parade for more than a thousand artists on stage and floats that symbolize dance, sugar cane, the aroma of coffee, fruit trees and other tourist and cultural attractions of the municipalities. On the other hand, for the second consecutive year the Timba festival is held, in recognition of Afro-Caribbean music.
References
Colombia Travel. (n.d.). Disfruta de la Feria de Cali. [Enjoy the Cali Fair]. https://colombia.travel/es/cali/disfruta-de-la-feria-de-cali
Feria de Cali. (n.d.). Conoce la Feria. [know the fair]. https://feriadecali.com.co/conoce-la-feria/