photo by El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía y Video (via Flickr)
photo by Vivian Calderon (via Flickr)
Bogotá is not only a starting point for various adventure trips in Colombia, it is also home to the largest and most culturally significant theater and performing arts festival in the world. Hosted biannually, The Ibero-American Theater Festival enthralls nearly 2 million attendees with performances of theater, dance, and music. Tens of thousands of performers, artists, and musicians descend upon the city and create an aura of magic, where anything is possible. Bogotá’s eight million residents embrace the celebration, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. This 17 day celebration of performing arts begins just before, and leads revelers into, Holy Week.
The theatre capital of the world
Bogotá is home to 2,200 theatre academies, truly making it the "theatre capital of the world" and the perfect home for the festival, which began in 1988 with Argentine actress Fanny Mikey. Mikey moved to Colombia during the 1950's and fell in love with the nation that would become her home. She began an organization called Fanny's Fundación Teatro Nacional to promote the arts in Colombia, and which would eventually go on to begin and guide The Ibero-American Theater Festival, which has grown each year. Upon Fanny Mikey's death in 2008, some believed the festival would die with her, but it carries on in her honor, with the 16th festival happening in 2018.
photo by Carlos Martínez (via Flickr)
A smorgasbord of events
Not sure what to see first? It's a delightful problem. The festival boasts approximately 450 indoor performances at many of Bogotá's theater halls, and an additional 150 performances at various outdoor locations and on the streets of this bustling city. One of the "must see" events is the parade. Beginning at the Plaza de Toros de Santamaria, it winds it's way gleefully through the streets of Bogotá and finishes at the Plaza Bolivar, in the historical district of La Candelaria. Half-a-million spectators line the parade route, hoping for a good view and a chance to participate in the festivities. The festival also boasts workshops and conferences, with professionals offering advice and inspiration to attendees.
Revered guests on an international stage
As the largest and most vibrant theatre festival in the world, the Ibero-American Theater Festival brings together more than 520 theatre companies, spanning 5 continents and 50 different countries, making it a truly international and cooperative event unlike any other. Every festival features a nation as a special "guest of honor." These nations present special performances and are honored specifically, sometimes being chosen for advantageous political ties. Previous guests of honor have included Mexico, Sweden, and Brazil. At the 2018 festival, the guest of honor will be Switzerland.
The 16th Ibero-American Theater Festival will be weaving its web of magical delights in early March of 2018. Bogota is Colombia's airline hub and the most convenient way into the country. Don’t miss an opportunity to take in the performances and experiences of this spectacular event as you explore this amazing country on your adventure tour with Uncharted Colombia.