Vallenato Legend Festival: A Story Worth Telling
By: Jose Saldaña
For a vallenato, speaking of their festival is to lovingly evoke a story that not only celebrates a people’s joy, but also narrates the passage of time, the strength of roots, and the echo of traditions that live on from generation to generation.
Of Myths, Legends, and Accordions
Valledupar is built upon myths and legends — stories like The Mermaid, the saint Ecce Homo, and Francisco El Hombre. These tales have withstood the test of time, passed down by word of mouth and preserved through the accordion, the soulful instrument of the Colombian Caribbean.
These legends are not just memories; they are proudly brought to life in towns like Valledupar, Villanueva, El Molino, and Codazzi — places where the sound of the accordion fills every corner, where the streets move to the rhythm of folklore, and where the soul of a people becomes a song.
The Virgin of the Rosary and the Festival’s Origins
One of the most significant legends tells of a miracle by the Virgin of the Rosary, who, according to tradition, performed a miracle for the Indigenous people of the old Valley of Upar in 1576. From this event, the traditional procession known as “Las Cargas” was born, a spiritual prelude held in late April that sets the tone for the Vallenato Legend Festival.
Over time, these cultural expressions inspired the creation of an accordion contest that would eventually evolve into Colombia’s most important folklore event: the Vallenato Festival.
Las Piloneras: Emblem of the Festival
The Las Piloneras parade is the most vibrant opening act of the festival. This tradition brings together children, youth, and adults who dance through Valledupar’s main streets to the beat of drums and accordion, dressed in traditional outfits and radiant with pride and joy.
More than a dance, Las Piloneras represent the collective soul of the festival — a blend of history, resilience, joy, and love for our cultural heritage.
How Did the Vallenato Legend Festival Begin?
The seed of the festival was planted by Consuelo Araújo Noguera, Rafael Escalona, and other cultural icons who dreamed of creating an event to honor the roots of the Cesar region. Inspired by local history and a desire to exalt vallenato identity, they organized an event that gradually grew into a national treasure — now recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
Vallenato Festival 2025: Official Dates and Everything You Need to Know
The 58th Vallenato Legend Festival will take place from April 30 to May 3, 2025, in Valledupar. This year, the festival pays tribute to the unforgettable Omar Geles — accordionist, composer, and icon of modern vallenato, whose legacy continues to echo in melodies and memories.
📌 Must-See Highlights Each Day at Vallenato Festival 2025:
🔸 Wednesday, April 30
- Official Festival Opening Ceremony
- Las Piloneras parade through Valledupar’s main streets
- Inaugural concert featuring surprise guest artists
- First round of the professional accordionist competition
🔸 Thursday, May 1
- Semifinals of piquería (lyrical duels), original song, and amateur accordion contests
- Traditional dance and vallenato cuisine exhibitions
- Special tribute to Omar Geles with guest musicians
- Evening parrandas (folk music parties) in traditional neighborhoods
🔸 Friday, May 2
- Children and youth accordionist competition
- Finals of piquería and original song
- Cultural talks and book presentations about vallenato
- Major concert with national and international artists
🔸 Saturday, May 3
- Final round of professional accordion competition
- Award ceremony for contest winners
- Grand closing concert
- Final parranda at Alfonso López Square — the heart of the festival
An Invitation from Tierra Querida
At Tierra Querida, we celebrate Colombian folklore and invite you to immerse yourself in this unique experience where history, music, tradition, and passion come together. The Vallenato Legend Festival is more than an event — it’s a way of feeling and celebrating who we are.
🌍 Come to Valledupar. Live the vallenato. Feel the legend.
