Welcome to the biggest Vallenato Festival in the world and the cultural event of the year in the department of Cesar!
In case you’re unfamiliar with vallenato music, there’s three basic elements of Vallenato you need to know: drums, rasps, and accordions. But what started as a musical style born from traveling farmers has now grown into a culture all it’s own. Example number one: the annual Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata.
This festival celebrates all that makes Vallenato unique — it’s indigenous roots, it’s afrocolombian influences, it’s references to Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s magical realism, you name it! Think of it like Carnival in Barranquilla, but Vallenato style. Regardless, we’ve got plenty of aguardiente and rumba to be had.
So grab your sombrero vueltiao and join me as I make a pilgrimage through the department of Cesar for one of the biggest celebrations of year!
More About Cesar
If I’ve written any articles about Cesar, you’ll see them listed here!
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In my journey to visit all 32 departments of Colombia I’ve written extensively about the different places I’ve traveled and people I’ve met. Click below to view all of my guides, stories, and tips from my travels around Colombia.
Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.