The Mono Núñez Festival of Andean Music takes place annually during the first week of June in Ginebra, a town in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region. Known as one of the most prestigious events celebrating Colombian Andean music, the festival lasts four days—from Thursday through Sunday—and features national competitions, cultural showcases, and interactive workshops. Visitors flock from across Colombia and beyond to experience this vibrant celebration of traditional music, local artistry, and community spirit.


Festival Dates and Schedule

The Mono Núñez Festival is held annually during the first week of June in the town of Ginebra, located in the Valle del Cauca department of Colombia. This timing coincides with a long weekend in Colombia, making it an ideal moment for both national and international visitors to attend. The festival typically spans four days, from Thursday through Sunday, and is carefully structured to showcase the richness and diversity of Andean musical traditions.

Annual Schedule Overview

The festival follows a consistent structure each year, blending musical competitions, live concerts, workshops, and cultural exhibitions. The schedule is usually as follows:

  • Thursday: The festival opens with an inaugural ceremony in the evening, featuring performances by renowned artists and previous winners. This night sets the tone for the days to come, highlighting the importance of Andean music in Colombian heritage.

  • Friday and Saturday: These are the core competition days. Daytime activities include academic and cultural events such as music workshops, panel discussions, and masterclasses led by musicologists and traditional musicians. In the evenings, the main competition concerts are held, where soloists, duets, ensembles, and vocal groups perform for a panel of expert judges.

  • Sunday: The final day features the much-anticipated Grand Finale Concert, where finalists from the previous days compete for top honors in various categories. The winners are announced and awarded the prestigious Mono Núñez prize—one of the highest recognitions in Colombian traditional music. The festival concludes with a celebratory closing ceremony.

Key Events and Highlights

  • National Contest of Andean Colombian Music: The centerpiece of the festival, this competition is divided into instrumental and vocal categories, further segmented into solo and group performances. Participants are carefully selected through a national audition process and represent diverse regions of Colombia.

  • Youth and Children's Performances: Special showcases are dedicated to young musicians and children’s ensembles, promoting early engagement with traditional music and ensuring generational continuity.

  • Parallel Cultural Activities: Throughout the town of Ginebra, additional events such as artisan fairs, photographic exhibitions, and street performances occur concurrently with the festival, enriching the experience for attendees.

  • Workshops and Conferences: Educational activities provide deeper insight into the history and evolution of Andean music, instrument craftsmanship, and regional styles.

Planning and Updates

The exact dates and detailed program are announced each year by the festival organizers, the Fundación Proartes and the Centro Cultural de Ginebra. Information is typically released on the festival’s official website and social media channels in early spring. Due to its popularity, visitors are encouraged to plan and book accommodations well in advance.

The Mono Núñez Festival not only celebrates music—it is a carefully orchestrated cultural experience that unfolds over a long weekend, offering attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Colombian tradition and musical excellence.

Planning Your Festival Visit

Proper planning ensures you get the most out of your visit to the Mono Núñez Festival, one of Colombia’s most prestigious celebrations of Andean music. Held annually in the town of Ginebra, Valle del Cauca, this four-day event typically takes place during the first weekend of June. Here's what you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Festival Dates and Schedule

The Mono Núñez Festival is traditionally held over four days, from Thursday to Sunday, during the first week of June. The exact dates vary slightly each year, so it’s important to check the official festival website or local tourism platforms for the current year’s schedule. The program is packed with musical competitions, workshops, academic forums, and evening gala concerts. Each day offers a variety of activities, from youth showcases to masterful performances by renowned Andean musicians.

Tickets and Access

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online in advance through the official Mono Núñez Festival website or at the venue, depending on availability. Prices vary depending on the type of event and seating preference. It is advisable to book early, especially for the evening galas and the final competition, which are typically in high demand. Some events, such as outdoor performances and cultural exhibitions, may be free to the public.

Accommodation Options

Ginebra is a small town, and lodging options can be limited during the festival period. Visitors are encouraged to book accommodations well in advance. Choices range from local guesthouses and boutique hotels to nearby rural lodgings and accommodations in surrounding towns like Buga or Tuluá, which are accessible via short drives or public transport. Some festival-goers opt for homestays with local families, which provide a more immersive cultural experience.

Getting to Ginebra

Ginebra is located in the department of Valle del Cauca, approximately 45 kilometers from Cali, the region’s capital. The nearest major airport is Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), located in Palmira, which is about an hour’s drive away. From Cali or Palmira, visitors can reach Ginebra by bus, taxi, or car rental. During the festival, additional transport services might be available, including shuttles arranged by tourism agencies or the festival organizers.

Festival Activities and Events

Beyond the central music competitions, the Mono Núñez Festival offers a variety of cultural activities. These include:

  • Workshops and Masterclasses: Focused on traditional instruments, vocal techniques, and the history of Andean music.
  • Artisan Markets: Featuring handmade crafts, musical instruments, and regional products.
  • Gastronomic Fairs: Showcasing local cuisine, with traditional dishes from the Valle del Cauca region.
  • Academic Forums: Discussions and lectures on the cultural and historical aspects of Andean music.
  • Outdoor Performances: Open-air concerts and parades that bring music to the streets of Ginebra.

Planning ahead allows visitors to tailor their experience to their interests, whether that’s attending every concert, engaging with local artisans, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of Colombia’s most celebrated cultural events.

Festival Program Structure

The Mono Núñez Festival follows a well-defined and dynamic structure that combines competitive performances, cultural showcases, and educational activities designed to celebrate and preserve Colombian Andean music. Held annually in early June in Ginebra, Valle del Cauca, the festival spans four days and includes a variety of events organized to highlight the rich musical traditions of the Andean region.

Main Competition

At the heart of the festival is the national competition, which is divided into instrumental and vocal categories. Musicians from across Colombia and other Andean countries participate in rigorous selection processes before reaching the stage in Ginebra. The competition includes subcategories such as solo performance, ensembles, new compositions, and traditional repertoire. Participants are judged by a panel of musicologists, composers, and performers with deep knowledge of Andean music.

Concerts and Gala Performances

Each evening of the festival features gala concerts held at the Teatro Municipal Ismael Perdomo Borrero and other stages set up throughout Ginebra. These concerts include performances by past winners, guest artists, and invited ensembles. They provide an opportunity for both traditional and contemporary interpretations of Andean music, ranging from classic bambucos and pasillos to modern fusion works.

Daytime Cultural Activities

During the day, the festival offers a diverse range of cultural activities intended to engage a broader audience. These include:

  • Workshops and Masterclasses: Led by renowned musicians and scholars, these sessions explore traditional Andean instruments, vocal techniques, composition, and the history of the genre.
  • Academic Forums: Musicologists and cultural researchers present findings and lead discussions on the evolution, preservation, and dissemination of Andean music.
  • Children and Youth Programs: Special concerts and music education activities are organized for younger audiences, fostering an early appreciation for traditional music.

“Otros Lenguajes” Program

This part of the festival highlights interdisciplinary art forms and contemporary expressions that intersect with Andean music. It includes performances that blend music with theater, dance, literature, and visual arts. Designed to reflect the evolving nature of cultural expression, “Otros Lenguajes” provides a platform for innovation and cross-cultural dialogue while remaining rooted in traditional themes.

Street Performances and Community Events

In addition to formal concerts, the festival spills into the streets of Ginebra, where plazas and parks become stages for spontaneous musical gatherings, dance performances, and food fairs. These community-driven events help to create an inclusive and immersive festival atmosphere that involves local residents, visitors, and performers alike.

Awards and Closing Ceremony

The festival culminates in a closing ceremony where winners of the competition are announced and awarded. Prestigious prizes are given in various categories, often launching or boosting the careers of emerging Andean musicians. The final night also features a grand concert with standout performances from the festival, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Colombian Andean music.

The program structure of the Mono Núñez Festival is carefully curated to balance competition, education, cultural celebration, and community participation, making it a cornerstone event in Colombia’s musical calendar.

Seasonal Considerations

Timing of the Festival

The Mono Núñez Festival is traditionally held during the first week of June each year. This timing is significant, as it aligns with the beginning of the dry season in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region, where the town of Ginebra is located. The favorable weather conditions during this time make it ideal for hosting large-scale outdoor and indoor events, attracting both national and international visitors.

The specific scheduling of the festival is deliberately chosen to coincide with a long weekend or national holiday when possible, ensuring higher attendance and greater community participation. Visitors planning to attend should monitor official announcements, as exact dates can vary slightly from year to year depending on the calendar.

Weather and Climate

Ginebra, located in the Andean region of Colombia, experiences a tropical savanna climate with moderate temperatures year-round. In early June, temperatures typically range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), with lower humidity and minimal rainfall compared to other months. These mild conditions contribute to the open, celebratory atmosphere of the festival and are ideal for daytime concerts, street performances, and cultural exhibitions.

Nevertheless, attendees should be prepared for occasional rain showers and cooler evenings by bringing appropriate clothing, such as light jackets and waterproof gear.

Travel and Accommodation Planning

Due to the popularity of the Mono Núñez Festival, early summer is considered a peak travel season for the town of Ginebra. Accommodations—ranging from local guesthouses to nearby city hotels—are often fully booked well in advance. Travelers are advised to make reservations several months ahead to secure preferred lodging options.

Transportation should also be planned with the seasonal influx of tourists in mind. While public buses and private transport services are available from major cities like Cali, demand increases significantly during the festival period. Booking transport in advance can help avoid last-minute complications.

Seasonal Cultural Context

Holding the festival in June also aligns with Colombia’s broader cultural calendar, which includes other important regional festivals and school holidays, allowing greater engagement from families, students, and artists. This seasonal alignment enhances the cultural vibrancy of the event and encourages participation from diverse age groups and communities.

Moreover, the June timing allows the Mono Núñez Festival to serve as an unofficial kickoff to Colombia’s mid-year cultural season, setting the tone for subsequent festivals and celebrations across the country. This positioning reinforces the festival’s status as a premier event in the national cultural landscape.

Additional Timing Information

Annual Festival Dates

The Mono Núñez Festival is held annually during the first week of June. This timing has become a tradition since the festival's inception in 1975, aligning with the cultural calendar of the town of Ginebra, Valle del Cauca, where it takes place. The event typically spans four days, from Thursday to Sunday, showcasing a rich program of performances, competitions, and cultural exhibitions. These dates may vary slightly each year, but the early June timeframe has remained consistent and is widely recognized by both participants and attendees.

Schedule of Events

Each day of the festival features a carefully curated schedule of events:

  • Thursday: The opening ceremony sets the tone with a parade and initial performances, often spotlighting local talent and youth orchestras.
  • Friday and Saturday: These are the core competition days, divided into daytime auditions and evening gala concerts. Categories include vocal and instrumental soloists, ensembles, and the "Gran Premio Mono Núñez" (Mono Núñez Grand Prize).
  • Sunday: The final day features the awards ceremony and a closing concert, highlighting the festival winners and special guest performers.

Workshops, academic forums, and cultural exhibitions also take place throughout the festival days, providing attendees with immersive experiences beyond the main stage.

Ticket Purchase and Availability

Tickets for the Mono Núñez Festival are generally available for purchase in advance through the official website or local tourism offices in Ginebra. Due to the festival’s popularity, especially among fans of Andean music and cultural tourists, it is advisable to secure tickets early. Prices vary depending on the event and seat location, with packages often available for full access to all performances and activities.

Best Time to Plan Your Visit

While the festival itself occurs in early June, visitors are encouraged to arrive a few days early to explore Ginebra and its surroundings, and to participate in pre-festival activities. The weather in Ginebra during this period is generally mild and pleasant, offering an ideal backdrop for outdoor cultural experiences. Planning ahead ensures better accommodation options and a more relaxed travel experience.

Calendar Coordination with Other Events

The Mono Núñez Festival is part of a broader seasonal celebration of Colombian culture. Its early June timing allows it to serve as a precursor to other major cultural festivals in Colombia, such as the Festival de Música Andina Colombiana in Ibagué and the Festival Nacional del Bambuco in Neiva later in the month. This sequencing provides music enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to follow a cultural trail through Colombia’s rich Andean musical landscape.

Timing for Participants and Artists

Artists and performers selected to compete or perform at the festival typically arrive several days before the official start. This allows time for rehearsals, sound checks, and participation in educational workshops. The Fundación Proartes, which organizes the festival, provides detailed timelines and rehearsals schedules to all invited performers well in advance.

These timing logistics are essential for the smooth operation of the festival and are coordinated months ahead by the organizing committee to ensure a seamless cultural experience for both performers and audiences.

The Mono Núñez Festival of Andean Music is more than a celebration—it’s a cultural immersion that brings Colombia’s Andean rhythms to life each June in Ginebra. With world-class performances, rich traditions, and educational experiences, it’s an event not to be missed. Plan ahead, mark your calendars, and join one of Latin America’s most iconic musical festivals.