The 62nd Bambuco Festival in San Juan and San Pedro (2023) ended. As is traditional, today I will tell you, from my point of view, the good, the bad, and the things to improve about the contest.
The good: -according to the authorities the participation of about a million visitors to our parties. -The presence of more than 3,800 local and international artists in more than 200 artistic and cultural activities. -The participation of 23 departments with their candidates for the Reign of Bambuco, surpassing previous years. -The Master Craftsmen Fair that had 95 exhibitors. -The Folk Meeting for People with Disabilities, held for the first time. -Meetings to preserve folklore from generation to generation, such as the Children’s and Youth Wind Bands, Peasant, Andean and Chirimía music. -La Calle del Festival with a massive attendance of people, where free of charge they enjoyed the concerts of the best artists and musical groups in the country. -The International and National Dance Meeting, Inés García de Durán, with the participation of countries such as Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Venezuela and Ecuador, as well as representatives of Boyacá, Bogotá, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, Córdoba and us as hosts.
The bad: -The relaxation and conflict that the use of foam elements can cause in the public acts of the Festival, which can affect healthy coexistence. -The citizen complaint about the high costs of access to the boxes on the route of the parades. -The deficient grooming and cleaning service in real time of the parade route.
To improve: -On the route of the parades, it is necessary to define which side the boxes with reasonable prices are on for the comfort of an important sector of those attending these events; and on the other side of the route, fully guarantee free access to the citizen, for those who cannot enter the commercialized boxes. -Start the election and coronation evenings earlier, because they are folkloric and cultural events where entire families with minors have access. -As for the rides, they are undoubtedly very important, it should be analyzed if it is possible that there is a group of show horses that lead the parade where the white shirt and red rooster tail are mandatory; also, for the rest of the ride, lighten the route. -Implement a previous civic culture campaign that convenes locals and visitors about respect for the rules of coexistence, respect for others, not abusing foam and / or similar elements, not throwing garbage on the street, respecting the signs of traffic, and above all not disturb public order.
Finally, the balance of the Holidays is positive.
