Cali is in southern Colombia and is the third largest city (after Bogota and Medellin). It is famous for, among other things, salsa and beautiful women. But just about everywhere in Colombia claims to have the most beautiful women. On two of the hills surrounding Cali are a Cristo Rey statue (like Rio's Christ the Redeemer) and Los Tres Cruces. I didn't make the hike to avoid stressing my back and because I was there for El Patronio!!
The Patronio festival is one of two very big and very famous festivals in Cali (the other is the salsa festival in December). This festival is a celebration of the pacific area's music, food, and culture. Cali is the closest large city to the pacific region. the pacific region was more heavily populated with African immigrants and it is definitely reflected in the festival. The music was very percussion driven and some bands used marimbas. the food was more coastal, with lots of seafood and fruits. The patacones with salsa camarones were really good!
But before you think all I did was party, I did walk around the city. There is a beautiful park at the Rio Cali, some great churches (like most Latin American cities..), and some good view points from the hills (I only went up a small one near Colina San Antonio). I have heard and seen a little bit that does reflect Cali to be
a great city to hang out in with lots of arts and music scenes to explore.
And back to the party. The festival was mainly centered around the music performances at the Plaza del Toros. I didn't go out the first night (Wednesday) since that was the night I got into town. I got in touch with several locals from couchsurfing and promptly joined them for most days of the festival. But from Thursday on I was basically at the plaza to get in the stadium around 4. Even so I was a little late on Friday and Sunday an the stadium was already full! The music was awesome, the crowd was more than lively and entertaining.
There were vendors constantly walking around selling homebrew - viche, arrachon, toma seca and one or two others. they didn't taste that good to me and were really strong. each bottle varied as they really were homebrew. After the festival we went to a salsa club one night - Tin Tin Deo. Cali is famous for salsa so that seemed the most appropriate thing to do!!
However the real after party was at the Calle de Pecados - the Street of Sin. This is a street in the city center that during festivals, one block turns into a HUGE street party. Musicians from the festival will come play and people crowd every inch of space. It was crazy and fun. The latest I stayed there one night was util 6 am and it as still going, slowing down but still going...
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