Update: Medellin’s ‘Expoartesano’ Breaks All Records; ‘Colombia Canta’ Show Coming Next
Medellin’s Plaza Mayor convention center today announced that the ninth annual “Expoartesano” show (June 29 through July 8) broke all sales and attendance records, an encouraging signal for growth in demand for native crafts and goods.
During the 10-day event, “Expoartesano” drew 39,879 visitors, who spent a total of COP$4.08 billion (US$1.4 million) at the 430 exhibition stands, featuring 122 native artisans from 21 ethnic groups as well as 68 other traditional Colombian crafts vendors, according to show organizers Artesanias de Colombia.
“Through this type of events, the aim is to turn artisanal activity into a sustainable way of life for the thousands of artisans in Colombia.,” according to the organizer.
“Since its inception, Exporartesano — in a strategic alliance between Artesanías de Colombia and Plaza Mayor Medellín — has fostered the circulation and qualification of the national artisan offer, promoting, developing and boosting business, through an event that brings together different expressions every year of the artisan culture and that over the years has become a cultural movement in the capital of Antioquia,” according to the group.
‘Colombia Canta y Encanta’
Meanwhile, the 16th annual “Colombia Canta y Encanta” festival July 12 through 15 will feature 33 traditional song-and-dance artists from Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca and Antioquia, according to show organizers.
“All members of ‘Colombia Canta’ are true stars for their talent, however, some of them have achieved greater recognition for their participation in programs that are broadcast on national television channels,” according to the group, which promotes development of young talent.
Besides live public performances, the festival also will include special workshops for local schools, bringing “recognized masters of Colombian music” as well as a class in orchestra conducting.
Among the participants: 15-year-old Esmeralda Gil Cano, who first gained fame four years ago in the Colombian national TV talent show “La Voz Kids,” and 14-year-old Michael Uribe Alzate, who at seven-years-old made a sensational debut on the “X Factor” TV talent show.
The full program of “Colombia Canta” is available at this web site: www.colombiacanta.org.
