Bambuco Festival's Aquatic Parade Showcases Colombian Folklore on River Magdalena

During the Festival del Bambuco in Neiva, the traditional aquatic parade took place on the River Magdalena, where 22 candidates for the national crown sailed in brightly decorated canoes portraying Huila myths, flora and fauna. The event attracted thousands of locals and tourists along the riverfront, combining folk music, traditional dance and regional cuisine.

The parade was one of the final highlights before the grand coronation ceremony. In the evening at the Parque de la Música Jorge Villamil Cordovez, Bailey Sersland, representing the Colombian diaspora in the United States, was crowned Reina Nacional del Bambuco 2026. She will serve as an ambassador for Huila folklore, particularly the Sanjuanero, throughout the coming year.