By: Akeem Tolson
I’ve been traveling to Cali, Colombia, since 2018 to attend the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival.
To put it plainly: in that year it was the most Black people I had ever seen at one single event.
I’ve hosted many groups of Black travelers in Cali and other majority-Black regions of Colombia, and we always reach the same conclusion: this is the place you’ve never heard of, but will never forget.
Why Petronio is Unique
Colombia holds the second-largest population of Afro-descendant people in South America, primarily concentrated along the Pacific coast—from Chocó in the north to Nariño in the south.
While Cali is famous as the “Salsa Capital of the World,” Petronio is something deeper. It is the largest Black festival in Hispanic Latin America. (I make that distinction because not all Latin American countries are Spanish-speaking!)
The Sound: Forget the usual salsa or bachata. This is an Afro-centric experience featuring the marimba—known as the “piano of the jungle” —accompanied by the guasá, drums, and flutes.
The Movement: Styles like Currulao and Mapalé create a rhythmic pulse that brings hundreds of thousands of people together in a way that feels more like West Africa than South America.
The Scale: Although it remains a hidden gem to much of the world, weekend crowds often exceed 500,000 people.
A Festival with a Soul
Petronio is more than just a party; it is a lifeline. Throughout the year, competitions are held across Colombia to select the best musical groups, artisanal creators, and culinary masters to showcase in August.
A True Community: For many vendors, the income generated during these few days sustains them for the entire year. Because the stakes are so high, you’ll often see vendors sharing their booths with those who didn’t win a spot. It is a beautiful display of communal support and Black joy.
Join the Celebration
If you are looking for an experience that honors our roots while welcoming you with open arms, I’m personally inviting you to join us.
When: August 13th – 18th
Where: Cali, Colombia
How: Book this curated experience at livebedo.com or reach out to me directly at
info@livebedo.net.
Come see for yourself why I call this the “Largest Black Festival You’ve Never Heard Of.”
