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The "Francisco el Hombre" Festival is the most important vallenato festival in the department of La Guajira, held annually in Riohacha since 2009, generally in March, although in recent editions it has been held in June.
It takes its name from the legendary Francisco the Man, paradigm of the vallenato minstrel and one of the most representative characters in the folklore of the Colombian Caribbean coast who, according to tradition, defeated the devil himself in a duel with his accordion.
The festival celebrates vallenato music, rewarding new artists who compete in different categories such as best singer, best accordion player and best group.
Likewise, it features performances by renowned singers from the national vallenato scene. In recent editions the festival has had the presence of artists such as Iván Villazón, Poncho Zuleta, Peter Manjarrés, Ana del Castillo, Oscar Gamarra and Rafa Pérez.
Within the framework of the festival, other activities are also carried out that celebrate the Guajira culture, such as horseback riding, gastronomic and culinary fairs in which you can enjoy the typical dishes of the region, or the parade of old cars that organized in its most recent edition.
The "Francisco el Hombre Festival" not only celebrates vallenato music, but also seeks to promote cultural integration and strengthen the sense of belonging of the Guajira community. It is a space where artists, musicians and fans converge to share and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Colombian Caribbean.
