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The municipality of San Martín de los Llanos—the oldest town in Meta, founded in 1585—celebrates the International Folkloric and Tourism Festival (Festival Internacional, Folclórico y Turístico del Llano) in November, centered around the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours, a saint born in what is now Hungary in the 4th century, whose festivity is commemorated on November 11.
The highlight of the festival, which draws a large number of spectators from across the country, is undoubtedly the famous San Martín quadrilles, a series of equestrian games featuring 48 riders divided into four squads, each representing a “race”: Spaniards, Moors, Indigenous people, and Blacks.
The origin of the quadrilles is attributed by some to the Achagua Indigenous tradition and by others to Spanish equestrian ballet. They have been held almost uninterruptedly every year since 1735, forming a fundamental part of the identity of the people of San Martín.
The festival also features other activities, such as the beauty pageant, horseback rides, "joropódromo" (dance parade), and tournaments of typical regional sports, such as traditional roping and bull tailing.
With over 50 editions, the International Folkloric and Tourism Festival (Festival Internacional, Folclórico y Turístico del Llano) has established itself as an event that enriches and celebrates the cultural wealth of the region, attracting visitors from all over Colombia and abroad to enjoy an atmosphere of tradition and pride.
