Celebrating Colombia

For their final engagement in Colombia, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made an appearance at the Petronio Music Festival in Cali, a vibrant celebration renowned for its dedication to Afro-Colombian music and dance. Held at the Unidad Deportiva Alberto Galindo Sports Complex, this annual festival is the world’s largest tribute to Afro-Colombian heritage, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for a vibrant display of music, food, art, and fashion. 

Amidst the festival’s lively and immersive atmosphere, the Duke and Duchess joined Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner to officially kick off the festivities. The couple expressed their gratitude to Colombia for its warm welcome and beauty, with the Duchess addressing the crowd in Spanish. As a token of appreciation, they were gifted a bottle of Viche, a local liquor from the Pacific region, and a wooden marimba, symbolizing their connection to Colombian music. 

Before leaving the stage, they took a moment to greet and hug the children’s choir performing with them, further highlighting their appreciation for the festival’s spirit and the Colombian community. 

The couple would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all event organizers, Vice President Francia Márquez and the entire Colombian community for their incredible hospitality and an unforgettable trip.