Petronio Álvarez Festival suspended in Cali after quake

On August 10, 2026, a strong earthquake shook the Cali region, triggering a national emergency. In response, the Cali City Hall announced the suspension of the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, one of the city’s most important cultural gatherings.

City Hall decision

The information was confirmed by the official City Hall account on X, which explained that the measure responds to the situation created by the seismic movement and the need to focus efforts on assisting the affected people. The district administration emphasized that "our priority is and will always be the life and safety of everyone" and highlighted that the suspension was taken on the instructions of mayor Alejandro Eder, describing it as "an act of responsibility toward the city and the country".

Impact on the program

The 30th edition of the festival was scheduled to begin on August 12, but authorities decided to suspend it as a preventive measure and in solidarity with families dealing with the earthquake’s consequences. So far, no new date has been confirmed; any future decision will depend on the ongoing assessment by relief agencies of the emergency’s development.

Plans for artists

The suspension poses a challenge for the artists and delegations that had already arrived in Cali. The Culture Secretariat announced it has activated a contingency plan to support these participants during the crisis, guaranteeing "to the artists, to the knowledgeable, to the delegations already in Cali, we assure their accompaniment".

Next steps

The municipal administration concluded the statement by calling for solidarity with the population and urging citizens to join efforts to aid those affected by the emergency. Future decisions regarding the festival will remain subject to the assessments of relief authorities and the evolution of the crisis.

With information from Semana.