The International Cachama Festival and Beauty Pageant (Festival Internacional de la Cachama), held in Puerto Gaitán, Meta, is one of the most representative events in the department. This festival, celebrated annually in May, aims to highlight the importance of the "cachama", a fish that is vital to the local economy and cuisine.

The waters of the Manacacías River, a tributary of the Meta River that borders the town, host numerous activities, including rafting competitions, fish fry stocking, and, of course, cachama fishing. Local fishermen compete with their catches, and the heaviest "cachamas" are awarded prizes.

The food fair adds to the celebration of this emblematic fish, where attendees can taste "tatama", a traditional dish of Puerto Gaitán inspired by the cuisine of the Sikuani indigenous people, with cachama as the main ingredient.

In addition to these activities, the weekend includes typical eastern plains events such as traditional roping competitions and horseback rides, as well as concerts featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists.

The beauty pageant, with contestants from different towns in the region and from Venezuela, is another major attraction of the festival. The International Cachama Festival and Beauty Pageant (Festival Internacional de la Cachama) offers a space to enjoy and celebrate local identity in all its forms, honoring the cultural and folkloric richness of the region in a festive atmosphere for the whole family.