Bucaramanga (Colombia)

I just happened to arrive here when the annual festival was taking place and the city was very lively and busy, with lots going on. The festival doesn't get a mention in the guide books and therefore doesn't attract many tourists at all. From talking to Colombians themselves, I learned that the tradition of holding the festival is a cherished one and the atmosphere it generated is quite unique. There were food stands lining the sides of the streets and masses of people had flocked to the city to watch, amongst other things, processions of cattle taking place.

If you head to the northern part of the country from Bogotá by bus, you'll no doubt stop off at Bucaramanga. Apart from the festival, the city itself has little of interest to offer where culture is concerned. So you may as well simply spend the night here then continue on to Cúcuta or the coast the next day.