festivals

Though already marked by controversy with the canceling of Quito’s quintessential act of celebration, the bullfights, this year’s “Fiestas de Quito” will still have more than 450 events held during the next three weeks for residents and visitors alike.

Fiestas de Quito is the capital city’s celebration to honor its founding, officially marked as December 6, 1534 when 204 Spanish conquerors entered the city where the Spanish would remain for three centuries during their colonial reign. Though the Spanish many years ago, their influence has remained to the present day. Though the diminishing cultural spectacle of the “toros” would seem a significant blow to the city, ever since the 1960s Quito’s annual celebration has grown in ways previously unimaginable.

Fiestas de Quito is a time when the city is packed with multiple music concerts, food celebrations, parades, dances, go-cart races, bike rides, fireworks, sport tournaments, card tournaments, theater presentations, and other spectacles that are just hard to categorize. READ MORE

If Argentina is associated with any one beverage, it’s usually wine, not beer. But many families in Argentina trace their roots back to Germany, and nowhere is that heritage more evident than in the massive Oktoberfest celebration each spring in Villa General Belgrano, a picturesque town in the province of Córdoba. READ MORE

Chile celebrates its independence from Spain in September and the entire month is recognized as the “Month of the Nation.” The weather has begun to change, spring has almost arrived and the sun sets the mood for a celebration.

Fiestas Patrias, or more commonly, Dieciocho, are the names given to the holiday celebrations that take place on September 18 and 19. This year festivities will also take place on Monday the 17th. But don’t be surprised if you discover that the celebrations already got started. Because Chileans are patriotic and like to always have fun, the Fiestas Patrias provide a great excuse for a party. READ MORE

This year, the Festival de Música Interactiva de Uninorte en Verano is turning five years-old. Uninorte is one of the most important universities in the coast of Colombia. It is also a recognized institution in certain subjects such as engineering and law. The festival is sponsored by the Uninorte Centro Cultural Cayena, the Academic Viceprincipal and the music program of the university.

The Uninorte Music Festival is an important event because it promotes music and fosters new talent in Barranquilla and the surrounding region.

The event is open to all music lovers and admission is free. Events start in May and end with a final concert and announcement of winners in early August. READ MORE