Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Attend Music Festival on Colombia Trip

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, are set to attend a renowned music festival during their upcoming trip to Colombia.

Cali Mayor recently disclosed at a tourism forum in Cartagena: “[Prince Harry and Meghan] are going to come to Cali and spend a day in the city.

“They’re going to visit the Petronio Alvarez Festival and other social initiatives.”

The Petronio Alvarez Festival runs from August 14 to 19. This celebration of Afro-Colombian culture includes music, food, drink, and a fashion show.

Local reports indicate that Harry and Meghan will also visit San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas.

Situated in the foothills of Montes de María, southeast of Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque is a historic community founded by escaped slaves in the seventeenth century.

It is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2005 and is the only surviving palenque community. The spoken language there, Palenquero, is the only Spanish-based Creole language in Latin America.

The Sussexes have been invited to Colombia by the country’s Vice President, Francia Marquez.

Ahead of their visit, Ms. Marquez stated: “During their trip, the Duke and Duchess will accompany me in visiting Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

“They will engage with leaders, youth, and women who represent the progressive voices and aspirations of Colombians.

“In addition, they will experience the rich heritage of Colombia.”

While the Archewell Foundation has not released specific details of the couple’s Colombian itinerary, vice president Marquez mentioned they would “engage in several activities” related to protecting young people online and physically.

This subject will be discussed at the upcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which Colombia is hosting in November.

Ms. Marquez, a lawyer, human rights, and environmental activist, as well as the Minister of Equality and Equity, added: “The forthcoming conference will present a framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces.

“It will tackle issues like cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.

“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments globally. During their visit, the Duke and Duchess, as well as the Archewell Foundation, will participate in activities related to this significant topic.

“We believe their visit will spotlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”

Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan introduced The Parent Network, an initiative to provide parents with a safe and free support system, especially for those whose children have been harmed by social media.