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I would also like to recommend our Bogotá Travel Guide which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Bogotá. Enjoy reading it!
What is the Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá?
The Ibero-American Theater Festival is a very diverse festival that brings various performing arts together and its best exponents in the city of Bogotá for about two weeks every two years. Born in 1988, the Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá has earned the title of one of the largest theater festivals in the world.
And rightly so, with theatrical companies and artists from the five continents showcasing the best of their talent in Bogotá.
What does it offer?
From theater plays that will leave you thinking to cultural performances that will make you laugh and dance:
- National and international theater works.
- Acting workshops.
- Fair of literary and theater publications.
- Restaurants and cafes (in closed theaters).
- Lectures and discussions.
- Experimental theater.
- Shadow theater.
- Street theater.
- Traditional and regional folk dances.
- Classical dance.
- Music and concerts with national and international artists.
- Cultural exhibitions and museum tours.
- Circus shows.
- VIA Business Roundtable on Exporting Colombian Talent.
- Cabaret tent with live music and DJs.
- Art and photography exhibition.
- Accounting functions.
- Screening of films.
Also, I invite you to check my blog about the top 17 most popular cultural events you can attend in Bogotá.
Story of the Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogota
Fanny Mikey, an Argentine-Colombian actress, initiated it on March 25, 1988, coinciding with the celebration of Bogota’s 450th anniversary, and it ran until April 3.
Her goal was to promote theater’s diversity, global performing arts, tolerance, and understanding between cultures while encouraging artistic development in Colombia. And she achieved it!
Since then, the FITB has stood out as one of the most comprehensive showcases of performing arts of the 21st century and nowadays is one of the world’s largest theater festivals in terms of its capacity to attract and the diversity of genres.
Some Curious Facts
- Prestigious companies: Famous theater companies have graced its stages. Some examples? The Beijing Opera, the Royal Shakespeare Company of England, and many more.
- World guests: The festival has invited more than 40 countries throughout its history.
- The world’s largest: The number of performances hosted by the festival has not been surpassed by any other in the world.
- Theater capital: Bogotá is known as the “world capital of theater” due to the Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá (FITB), which is the most important in Latin America and one of the largest in the world.
The festival in numbers
In one of its larger versions, specifically in 2016, it achieved some impressive figures, which you’ll see below:
- More than 100 directors.
- More than 800 performances.
- More than 400,000 attendees.
- More than 3,600 actors.
- Guests from 5 continents.
- Top 10 Colombian major cities.
- Around 70 stages in Bogotá.
- 20 localities (up to 110 streets of Bogotá)
It’s a big deal!
FAQS about the Ibero-American Theater Festival
When is the festival held?
You can check the date for you to mark your calendar. Generally, it starts in March each year. The city will be filled with art and activities for all ages. Colors, music, and artistic expressions will be the focus of attention, both for Bogotans and visitors from everywhere.
Is it free?
No, the first 5 days take place in closed halls and different costs apply depending on the performance.
However, for the following 12 days, you will have free access to theater performances in public places in the city such as parks, shopping centers, from 60 to 70 stages, each year can take place in different spots.
Where does it take place generally?
There are some specific spots in Bogota this festival take place every year:
- Teatro Colón: The symbolic opening act of the FITB takes place at the Teatro Colón. This iconic theater is a landmark for the performing arts in Bogotá.
- Centro de Convenciones Corferias: National and international theater productions are presented here. There are also events for all ages, such as academic and commercial exhibitions, circus, and children’s activities.
- Carpa Cabaret: Located in the bar and party area of the Movistar Arena, where there is live music and you can meet national/international artists and producers.
Want to attend?
We are happy to help you visit this theater festival. Just email us.
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