A Colombian Cultural Celebration
January 16, 2008
Manizales city is the capital of the
state of Caldas in Colombia. This department belongs to a group of three
states known as the coffee region. This is one of the biggest producing
areas in this country. Back in 1950 when the city celebrated 100 years of
its foundation, few people had the idea to prepare the first cultural fair
to commemorate this date. However, just four years later in 1954 the first
cultural fair was established, and spanned an entire week.
The second week of each New Year, the culture fair gathers a variety of shows ranging from theater presentation, handmade products, horse exhibitions, bullfights and folklore singers to commemorate this anniversary.
This city has also a deep passion for the Tango music from Argentina, so it is not difficult to find small cafés where people spend hours in front of a cup of coffee listening the wonderful rhythms and words of each song. Another celebratory event involving this type of music is Tango dancing contest.
One of the main events
during this cultural fair is the international coffee beauty contest. For
the last 37 years this event has been held during this cultural fair. This
year, 21 women participated in the competition. Some of these participants
come from countries like Bolivia, Aruba, Venezuela, Unites States, Panama
and Canada. They usually participate in additional events such as a float
parade and fashion show. One of the main requirements from judges was to
not only be good-looking but also demonstrate basic coffee knowledge. It
was interesting to hear how this diverse group of women view the coffee
world. The representative from the country of Bolivia, Miss Jessica Anne
Jordan Burton, ultimately won the contest this year.
This is an invitation to everyone that loves coffee and local culture to mark their calendars and visit this beautiful city during the second week of each new year. It is very exciting and interesting to be part of this cultural fair.
Andres Castro
The second week of each New Year, the culture fair gathers a variety of shows ranging from theater presentation, handmade products, horse exhibitions, bullfights and folklore singers to commemorate this anniversary.
This city has also a deep passion for the Tango music from Argentina, so it is not difficult to find small cafés where people spend hours in front of a cup of coffee listening the wonderful rhythms and words of each song. Another celebratory event involving this type of music is Tango dancing contest.
One of the main events
during this cultural fair is the international coffee beauty contest. For
the last 37 years this event has been held during this cultural fair. This
year, 21 women participated in the competition. Some of these participants
come from countries like Bolivia, Aruba, Venezuela, Unites States, Panama
and Canada. They usually participate in additional events such as a float
parade and fashion show. One of the main requirements from judges was to
not only be good-looking but also demonstrate basic coffee knowledge. It
was interesting to hear how this diverse group of women view the coffee
world. The representative from the country of Bolivia, Miss Jessica Anne
Jordan Burton, ultimately won the contest this year. This is an invitation to everyone that loves coffee and local culture to mark their calendars and visit this beautiful city during the second week of each new year. It is very exciting and interesting to be part of this cultural fair.
Andres Castro
