Harry and Meghan Celebrate Afro-Colombian Culture at the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival (UPDATED 8/19)

**Scroll down for updates

For their final engagement, Harry and Meghan attended the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival 2024 this evening in Cali, Colombia.

The festival is named after famous musician Patricio Romano Petronio Alvarez Quintero who was born on the island of Cascajal outside Buenaventura in 1914, and who dedicated most of his life to music, before dying in Cali at the young age of 52 in 1966. It celebrates Colombia’s rich cultural heritage, featuring diverse rhythms and traditions from the Pacific region.

The event showcased electrifying performances by musicians, dancers, and artisans, highlighting Afro-Colombian culture. From the soulful sounds of currulao to the energetic beats of salsa choke, the event offered a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary Colombian music, honoring the legacy of Petronio Alvarez while embracing modern creativity.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, The Duke and Duchess joined Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner to officially kick off the festivities. With the sound of drums and marimbas filling the air, the couple expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Colombia for its warm welcome and stunning beauty. In a touching moment.

Harry greeted the crowd in Spanish, switching to English with Meghan stepping in to translate —

The video below shows the couple on stage speaking to the crowd.

Harry y Meghan llegan al Petronio Álvarez, reciben viche y homenajes @ViceColombia @alcaldiadecali #petronioalvarez #HarryMeghanEnColombia pic.twitter.com/jRLZK8V3wE

— TUBARCO (@tubarconews) August 19, 2024

As a token of appreciation, they were presented with a bottle of Viche, a traditional liquor from the Pacific region, and a wooden marimba, symbolizing their connection to Colombian music and culture. The gesture highlighted the deep cultural ties and mutual respect between the Sussexes and the Colombian community.

Before leaving the stage, Harry and Meghan took a moment to greet and hug the children’s choir performing alongside them, further emphasizing their appreciation for the festival’s spirit and the Colombian people. Their warm interactions and genuine enthusiasm were a testament to the profound impact this trip had on them.

As they wrapped up their visit, the couple extended their deepest gratitude to all event organizers, Vice President Francia Márquez, and the entire Colombian community for their incredible hospitality. The Petronio Music Festival was not just a celebration of Afro-Colombian culture, but also a celebration of unity, connection, and shared joy, making it an unforgettable end to their Colombian journey.

A look at what Meghan wore this evening.

UPDATE 8/19: Meghan wore a dress from Colombian-based designer Andres Otalora — the Joya Colonial Tiered Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress, $890. The dress is past season from the Pre-Fall 2024 Collection and no longer available. The designer has announced on Instagram that the dress is available for pre-order here.

It is a drop-waist, tiered dress cut from crisp cotton poplin and detailed with slim straps and a high-low hem.

She paired the dress with the Aquazzura ‘Talk to Me’ sandal 105, $850 in black suede.

UPDATE 8/19: She had on a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings.

The earrings have been identified as Colombian-based brand Tres Almas Lab via their Instagram account. They are the brand’s ‘Felix’ hoop, $550.000,00 Pesos (about $137 USD). The brand has confirmed with me that they do ship internationally for about $90.

Please check back for further updates. I’ll be updating What Harry Wore this week with pieces that he work so watch for that post!

The couple are headed back to California tomorrow and we may or may not see additional photos or information – so be sure to check back for updates!

I would like to thank a few people who were a huge help over the past four days while I navigated our social media accounts and covered everything in detail here on the blog —

Thanks to the WMW followers who offered up suggestions for IDs, Pearl Kadupal on X and several other close contacts who reached out to me.

A very special thanks to Mary of Meghan’s Closet Chronicles on Instagram for late night chats about IDs and saving me from losing my mind!

A big thank you to my side kick, Amelia Noyes, for providing her amazing artwork, reaching out with information and checking in with me to make sure I was still functioning!

We leave you with this beautiful illustration by Amelia –