Performing the airs of Paseo and Merengue, a total of 59 accordion players from different parts of Colombia and the outside began the race to meet Rey Vallenato of the 2024 Legend Festival, tribute to Iván Villazón.
Alfonso López Square It is the stage where each of the musicians demonstrates their talent in the air of folklore. vallenatoencouraged by the applause of locals and tourists who, regardless of the imposing sun and high temperatures of Valledupar, enjoy the contest from beginning to end.
One of the favorites to take the crown is Juan David ‘El Pollito’ Herrera, who after regaining his freedom last January enrolled in the professional accordion competition with the intention of repeating the feat of 1996 when he won this competition.
“It was a great desire that I had, to be able to participate again to please the public, my followers, and seeing the support of the people who love you is something gratifying,” said the accordion player in dialogue with THE PILÓN.
#FestivalVallenato2024🪗 ‘Chicken’ Herrera steals the show at Plaza Alfonso López, where the Professional Accordion category takes place. pic.twitter.com/p7jJLBMjM7
— EL PILÓN (@El_Pilon) May 1, 2024
Similarly, Jaime Luis Campillorunning mate of Rafa Perez, returned to the square Alfonso Lopez to this time achieve the victory that has eluded him for six years.
“I felt happy and calm, it has been six years participating in the Festival and I could notice the affection of the people, demonstrating their favoritism“It was two months of arduous rehearsals and here we are looking to be king vallenato this year,” he said. Jaime Campillo to EL PILON.
#FestivalVallenato2024 🪗🎶In search of the king’s crown! In the Plaza Alfonso López, the accordion player Julio César Cárcamo, from San Andrés Islas, presents the air of promenade ‘El tigre punta brava’ in the Professional Accordion competition. pic.twitter.com/3MjNhr2wUV
— EL PILÓN (@El_Pilon) May 1, 2024
Songs like ‘The black bull’, ‘Fundacion Gardens’, ‘Vicio’, ‘I’m going for the crown’ and ‘Alcirita’ These are some of the steps and meringues that the participants have performed in the first round of the professional accordion competition.
On the first day of competitions, Manuel Francisco Arrieta, from Santa Ana, Magdalena, and Miguel Avendaño Ascanio, from Ocaña, Norte de Santanderwere disqualified for not appearing on stage on time, thus failing to comply with the regulations.
The Vallenato Festival entry: The professional accordion contest began: Who will be the next king? was first published in El Pilón | News from Valledupar, El Vallenato and the Colombian Caribbean.