In February, the municipality of Becerril, located about 100 kilometers south of Valledupar, celebrates its traditional Paletilla Festival, a festival born 50 years ago at the initiative of the Becerrilero writer Tomás Darío Gutiérrez to honor the traditions of the Yukpa indigenous people who make different objects with a plant called shoulder.
 
The festival traditionally begins on February 2 with the celebration of the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of Becerril. Throughout the week, different cultural and recreational activities are carried out, among which the Voices Contest stands out, which is held in honor of the legendary Rafael Orozco, illustrious son of Becerril. 

Corralejas, traditional bullfights from the Colombian Atlantic coast, as well as cockfighting challenges, are also held. 

The ancestral traditions of the town are honored with events such as the tribute that is traditionally paid to the Yukpa chiefs and the samples of fishing with cogollo, an emblematic technique of the region.
 
Live music enlivens the festivities with mastery of vallenato and salsa, as well as traditional rhythms of the Yukpa people. The Becerril Shoulder Festival not only celebrates the ancestral traditions of the region, but also promotes tourism and a sense of identity, becoming a meeting point for the community and visitors.

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