The 65th edition of the Bambuco Festival in San Juan and San Pedro 2026 began on June 13 in Neiva's Music Park with the imposition of sashes on 79 contestants and a show of music and fireworks.
The opening ceremony brought together local and regional authorities, led by Huila Governor Rodrigo Villalba Mosquera and Neiva Mayor Germán Casagua Bonilla. Villalba declared the festival open and said: “Neivanos, huilenses, colombianos y visitantes que hoy nos acompañan, bienvenidos al corazón de la cultura huilense”.
The governor highlighted the 90th anniversary of the Sanjuanero Huilense and the 80th anniversary of the Taitapuros comparsa. He provided event figures: 4,011 artists on stage, 90 master artisans, 6 cavalcades, 21 musical events and 16 dance encounters.
Casagua danced the traditional Sanjuanero and recalled typical gastronomy such as morcillas and bizcochuelo. The night ended with the Symphonic Band performing “Ole lo lelo laila” and a fireworks display.
