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At the end of September the city of Mocoa, capital of the department of Putumayo, celebrates its birthday. With a week of festivals, the Mocoanos commemorate the official founding of this town on September 29, 1563, although the first Spanish settlements can be traced back to 1551.
The main event is the civic and cultural parade, where educational institutions, local organizations, musical bands and folk groups participate, filling the streets with joy, music and color.
Within the framework of the festivities, the Departmental Festival of Native Dances also takes place, an event that celebrates the cultural diversity of Putumayo.
The festivals also include sports activities, such as soccer and cycling tournaments, and craft exhibitions, where local artisans show their creativity with typical products from the Amazon region. Gastronomy plays a prominent role, with traditional dishes such as fish, casabe and chicha.
In addition, concerts and artistic presentations of popular genres are organized, which attracts tourists and strengthens the local economy. The Mocoa Anniversary Celebrations (Aniversario de Mocoa) are a special occasion to celebrate the history, culture and progress of this Amazonian city, promoting integration and community pride.
