Medellin Events: July 2013

July is traditionally a month jam-packed with events and festivals in Medellin.

In years past, it’d also mark the start of the Flower Festival, La Feria de las Flores.

This year, Medellin’s biggest festival doesn’t begin until August 2nd, so we’ll save those events for next time.

CONCERTS

Paul Oakenfold

Saturday, July 6 at Pandora

Electronic music fans have something to get excited about this month, when Paul Oakenfold, one of the world’s biggest electronic DJ’s, passes through Medellin on his Latin America tour.

I haven’t been to Pandora for an event yet, but judging from the photos on its website, it’s not a very big club, which could make for an awesome night.

I also haven’t listend to Oakenfold since my club days in DC around 1999/2000, but at the time, I was a huge fan of his trance music.

9 PM – 5 AM. Tickets available through Wantickets.com.

Festival Internacional de la Salsa Romántica 2

Saturday, July 26 at La Macarena

Does your girl like slow, romantic salsa? Then this is the concert for you. Headlining acts include Tito Nieves, Eddie Santiago, Yan Collazo, and David Pabon.

Doors at 8 PM. Tickets available through Ticket Express.

FESTIVALS

23rd International Poetry Festival

Saturday, July 6 to 13 at 150 different locations throughout the city

“With the participation of 60 poets from 45 countries, from the far corners of the Earth, this new version of the festival will be dedicated to the poetic experience for the re-signification of Myth as memory that is foundational knowledge and of Utopia as acting reality that leads to a new humanism, freed from all the mistakes that sunk us into inequality and exclusion.”

Colombiamoda (Fashion Week)

Tuesday, July 23 to 25 at Plaza Mayor

Colombia’s annual fashion week is set to take center stage at the end of the month, leading into La Feria de las Flores. Medellin is the center of Colombia’s fashion and modeling industry, so it’s a match made in heaven.

Daytime events at Plaza Mayor are open to the public. A 3-day pass, which can be purchased at the door, costs about $40. Runway shows and nightly parties are usually invite-only.

For more information, visit the official site.

MEET-UPS

Medellin Living Reader Meet-up

7 PM Tuesday, July 9 at Lola Bar y Tapas in Laureles

After the success of our first meet-up in June, Medellin Living will be hosting our second reader meet-up at Lola Bar y Tapas in Laureles next Wednesday.

These meet-ups are a great opportunity to meet other travelers, expats, and Colombians. If you’re new to the city, it’s also a good chance to ask questions, and share your observations with a captive audience.

RSVP here

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Monday, July 1

Catholic holiday, and an excuse for a 3-day weekend.

Colombia’s Independence Day

Saturday, July 20

Colombia celebrates its independence.

THEATER

Ensalsate and Dances of the World

Friday, July 26 at Teatro Metropolitano

Over 100 dancers perform on one stage, with a live orchestra, in a Cabaret-style show. These are world-class dancers, including participants in the World Championships of Salsa and Tango.

I went to a similar, salsa-only show in 2009, and was blown away by the quality of dancing, not just by the adults, but by some of the little kids too.

Tickets available through Tu Boleta.

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Did we miss something? Contact us if there’s an event you think we should add to the list.

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