Bullfighting & Pageantry Beauty...
Manizales
Starting off January and the new year let's begin our journey in Manizales. Manizales is Better known as Ciudad de las Puertas Abiertas (city of open doors) and this annual January fair is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Colombia. The Manizales fair is heralded nationally and internationally for the bullfighting season. Considered “the origin ... of the bullfighting tradition in Colombia and America,” thus bringing together the best of the best on display in Colombia, South America, and the Iberian Peninsula.
January 4-11, every year this is some of what you can find here:
- handicrafts exhibits
- street shows,
- dancing on platforms set up for the occasion
- parades
- orchestras
- trova poetry duels
- fireworks
As though Manizales is already filled with some of the most beautiful women in the world. The International Coffee Pageant, (Reinado Internacional del Café) is the fair’s emblematic event. The most beautiful women from about thirty countries are on display competeing for the coveted crown.
This particular pageant adheres to the strictest rules on international beauty contests. It is equally important to understand that not even the Manizales bullfighting season, which is known for its traditions and high quality, draws as big of a crowd as the International Coffee Beauty Pageant. Also note this is one of the most important pageants in Latin America.
The Feria de Manizales (Manizales Fair) is the second largest celebration in the Colombia, after the Barranquilla Carnival. The Manizales Fair was created in 1951 with the first centenary of the city. It began with the presentation of grand Matadors and with "Manolas" parade (Spanish parade). The competition between man and beast has become an integral part with it's proud and deep ancestral roots. Only the best compete from the continent combined with those from Spain are invited every year. One of the traditional events is the Macarena Parade, also one should plan on taking part in the folkloric programs in Plaza de Bolívar, Tangovía or the Trova festival.
