By Akeem Tolson
I’ve been traveling to Cali, Colombia, since 2018 to attend the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival.
To put it plainly, that first trip introduced me to something I had never experienced before. It was the most Black people I had ever seen gathered at a single event.
Since then, I’ve hosted groups of Black travelers in Cali and throughout Colombia’s majority Black regions. No matter where they’re from, they usually leave saying the same thing:
“This is the place I’ve never heard of, but I’ll never forget.”
Why Petronio Is Different
Colombia is home to the second largest Afro descendant population in South America, with communities 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 offers something much deeper. It is the largest Black cultural festival in Hispanic Latin America. I make that distinction because not every country in Latin America is Spanish speaking.
The Sound
Forget the usual salsa and bachata.
Petronio is an Afro centric experience built around the marimba, often called the “piano of the jungle,” accompanied by drums, flutes and the guasá. The music is rooted in African traditions that have survived and evolved for generations along Colombia’s Pacific Coast.
The Movement
Dance styles such as Currulao and Mapalé create a rhythmic pulse that brings people together in a way that often feels closer to West Africa than South America.
You do not just watch the festival. You become part of it.
The Scale
Despite remaining relatively unknown to much of the world, Petronio attracts massive crowds. Weekend attendance often exceeds 500,000 people, making it one of the largest cultural celebrations in the region.
A Festival With Soul
Petronio is much more than a party. For many participants, it is a lifeline.
Throughout the year, competitions are held across Colombia to identify the best musical groups, artisans and culinary creators who will earn a place at the festival in August.
What makes the event especially powerful is the sense of community.
For many vendors, the income earned during these few days helps support their families throughout the year. Because opportunities are limited, it is not uncommon to see vendors sharing booth space with others who were not selected.
It is a beautiful example of cooperation, community and Black joy.
Join the Celebration
If you are looking for a travel experience that celebrates our history, culture and resilience while welcoming you with open arms, I invite you to join us.
When: August 13 through August 18
Where: Cali, Colombia
How: Book this curated experience at livebedo.com or contact me directly at info@livebedo.net.
Come see for yourself why I call Petronio Álvarez the largest Black festival you’ve never heard of.
