The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to attend a music festival during their upcoming trip to Colombia. This announcement was made by Cali Mayor during a tourism forum in Cartagena, where he confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be spending a day in the city of Cali. Additionally, the royal couple will be visiting the Petronio Alvarez Festival in the city, along with other social initiatives.
A Celebration of Afro Colombian Culture
The Petronio Alvarez Festival, which takes place from 14 to 19 August, is a vibrant celebration of Afro Colombian culture. The festival features music, food, drinks, and a fashion show, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the Afro Colombian community. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this cultural experience during their visit.
Aside from attending the music festival, Harry and Meghan are expected to visit San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas. This historic town, located in the foothills of the Montes de María, played a significant role as a refuge for escaped slaves in the seventeenth century. San Basilio de Palenque is the only surviving palenque from that era and was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. The town’s spoken language, Palenquero, is the only Spanish-based Creole language in Latin America.
Engagement with Colombian Communities
Vice President Francia Marquez of Colombia extended the invitation to Harry and Meghan to visit the country. She mentioned that the royal couple would be visiting Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali. This trip aims to provide the Duke and Duchess with the opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who represent the aspirations of Colombians committed to progress. The visit will also allow them to experience the rich heritage of the country.
Details of the royal couple’s itinerary in Colombia have not been disclosed by the Archewell Foundation. However, the vice president confirmed that Harry and Meghan would participate in activities related to safeguarding young people in online and physical spaces. These discussions are expected to continue at the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be hosted by Colombia in November. Topics such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and mental health impacts will be addressed during the conference.
Francia Marquez, a lawyer and human rights activist, emphasized the importance of creating safer digital and physical spaces for children. She expressed confidence that the royal visit would showcase Colombia’s commitment to culture and innovation. The Duke and Duchess, along with the Archewell Foundation, will engage in activities related to child protection during their stay in Colombia.
Initiative for Parents
In a recent development, Harry and Meghan launched a new initiative called The Parent Network. This initiative aims to provide parents with a safe and free support network to assist those whose children have been affected by social media. By addressing issues of online safety and child protection, the royal couple continues to demonstrate their dedication to supporting families and young people in the digital age.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Colombia presents a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, advocacy, and engagement with local communities. Their participation in the Petronio Alvarez Festival and visits to historical sites like San Basilio de Palenque underscore their interest in celebrating diversity and heritage. Through their activities related to child protection and online safety, Harry and Meghan are furthering their commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Leave a Reply