The Cali Fair is held annually between December 25 and 30 in the city of Cali, Colombia. Since its inception in 1957, this festival, also known as the Sugar Cane Fair, has established itself as one of the country’s most emblematic cultural events, notable for its artistic richness and close ties to Cali’s identity.
The taste of gastronomy at the Cali fair (Santiago de Cali)
Over the course of these six days, the city is transformed into an epicenter of cultural expression, where music, dance, and popular traditions take center stage. Among its most representative events is the prestigious Salsódromo, a parade that celebrates Cali’s salsa tradition and its recognition as the «world capital of salsa.» Likewise, the Cali Viejo Carnival pays tribute to local history and folklore, while the famous Superconcierto brings together national and international artists, becoming a major musical event.
Beyond the spectacle and celebration, the Cali Fair is a cultural gathering place where gastronomy, art, and sports intertwine to offer locals and visitors an unparalleled experience. Its impact transcends the festive atmosphere, positioning it as a symbol of identity and cultural heritage in Colombia and around the world.
Flavors of Cali Fair cuisine
The Cali Fair is not only about music, dancing, and partying, but also a true festival of flavors. During these days of celebration, traditional food takes center stage, bringing locals and visitors together around dishes full of tradition and flavor.
Throughout the streets and squares, food stalls offer delicacies that represent the best of Cali cuisine. Empanadas, with their crispy corn dough and juicy filling of meat or chicken with potatoes, are an essential classic, always accompanied by hot chili peppers to enhance their flavor. Another essential is the aborrajado, a snack where ripe plantain and melted cheese combine in an explosion of sweetness and creaminess.
Refreshing drinks are also part of the experience. Champús, with its blend of corn, fruit, and spices, pays homage to the region’s culinary roots, while lulada, with its refreshingly tart flavor, is perfect for combating the heat of Cali.
At the Cali Fair, food not only nourishes the body, but also brings people together, awakening memories and celebrating culture with every bite. It is an opportunity to enjoy the city’s joy, not only with music and dance, but also with the flavors that make Cali unique.
What cuisine can we enjoy at the Cali Fair?
Typical Cali fair cuisine includes Colombian empanadas, luladas, aborrajados, chantandura, ceviche, cholado, mango biche, chorizos, salchipapas, corn on the cob, champus, papas aborrajadas, and chuzos en pincho.
Colombian Empanadas: A Cali Fair Classic
Among the typical foods of the Cali Fair is the Colombian empanada, which stands out as one of the most iconic and beloved snacks for locals and visitors alike. This delicacy, made with crispy corn dough and filled with beef or chicken, accompanied by potatoes and spices, is a must-have at the food stalls that enliven the festivities.
During the fair, empanadas are not only a gastronomic delight, but also a symbol of Cali’s culinary tradition. They are served freshly fried, golden brown, and accompanied by homemade ají, a spicy sauce made with onion, cilantro, tomato, and hot peppers, which enhances their flavor. In some cases, they may be served with suero costeño or guacamole, adding an additional nuance to their flavor profile.
Beyond their unmistakable flavor, empanadas represent a meeting point at the Cali Fair, where music, dance, and the joy of celebration merge with the pleasure of traditional cuisine. Their presence at the event reaffirms the value of popular cuisine as an essential part of Cali’s identity.
Lulada: The Refreshing Drink of the Cali Fair
In the festive atmosphere of the Cali Fair, with the sun shining and music playing in every corner, there is nothing better than a cold lulada to cool off. This drink, made with lulo, a tropical fruit with a tart and delicious flavor, is one of the favorites during the celebration.
Preparing it is simple but special: the lulo is macerated by hand, leaving its pulp with seeds, and mixed with ice, water, and sugar to taste. Its thick texture and sweet-sour flavor make it unique, unlike any other drink. Some enjoy it with lemon, and others give it a festive touch by adding aguardiente to accompany dancing and merriment.
At the Cali Fair, lulada is not just a drink, it’s part of the tradition. It can be found on every corner, at food stalls, and in the hands of those enjoying the festivities. It’s the perfect refreshment for keeping up with the salsa, sharing with friends, and experiencing the magic of Cali to the fullest.
Aborrajados: The Irresistible Snack of the Cali Fair
If there’s one snack you can’t miss at the Cali Fair, it’s the aborrajado. This delicious treat, made with ripe plantains and melted cheese, is an explosion of flavor that everyone loves. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and has that perfect blend of sweet and salty that makes it simply irresistible.
PRepairing it is an art form: take a piece of ripe, sweet banana, fill it with cheese that melts at the first bite, then dip it in a light batter before frying it until it is golden brown and crispy. The result is a delicacy that is best enjoyed hot, straight out of the pan, ideal for sharing amid laughter and music.
During the Cali Fair, aborrajados can be found everywhere: at food stalls, in squares, and in the hands of those enjoying the festivities. There is no better companion for experiencing Cali’s salsa, tradition, and joy than a well-made aborrajado, with its melted cheese and flavor that makes you want another one right away. If you go to the fair, you can’t miss out on trying it!
Chontaduro: The Energy Snack at the Cali Fair
If there is one fruit that captures the essence of the Colombian Pacific and steals the show at the Cali Fair, it is the chontaduro. Small, vibrant, and full of energy, this delicacy is a classic street food that does not go unnoticed at the most important festival in the Sultana del Valle.
During the Fair, chontaduro is enjoyed in many ways: cooked and served with honey and salt, enhancing its earthy flavor and floury texture, or with a touch of condensed milk for those with a sweet tooth. Its dense consistency and unique flavor make it the perfect companion for recharging your batteries while enjoying the rhythm of salsa and the joy of Cali.
More than just food, chontaduro is an experience: a connection to the land, culture, and traditions of southwestern Colombia. Rich in nutrients, it is a natural superfood that gives strength and vitality to those who try it.
For locals and visitors alike, trying a chontaduro at the Cali Fair is not only a gastronomic pleasure, but also a way to savor the identity of a region that vibrates with the rhythm of salsa and the warmth of its people. Are you ready to discover it?
Ceviches from the Cali Fair: An Explosion of Flavor in Every Bite
At the Cali Fair, where joy and warmth fill the air, ceviche becomes one of the most refreshing and tasty options to enjoy between dancing and music. This dish, prepared with fresh seafood, fish, or shrimp, is mixed with juicy tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and seasoned with lemon and spices, creating an explosion of freshness and flavor in every bite.
Ceviche is perfect for combating the heat of the city during the festivities. It is served cold, often accompanied by crackers, toast, or fried plantains, and is commonly found at many of the food stalls that line the streets during the fair. Its tangy and refreshing flavor makes this dish an ideal choice for those looking for something light but delicious while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
In addition to its unique flavor, ceviche is a tradition that represents the blend of influences from the Pacific coast with a Cali touch, making it a must-try dish at the Cali Fair.
Cholado: The Sweet Refuge of the Cali Fair
Cholado is one of the most delicious and refreshing treats at the Cali Fair, especially for combating the December heat. This Cali delicacy is a vibrant mix of fresh fruits, such as pineapple, strawberry, and mango, accompanied by crushed ice, fruit syrup, condensed milk, and sometimes a touch of cream.
Cholado is not only a feast for the palate, but also a visual spectacle, with its bright colors inviting you to enjoy it at any time during the fair. It is served in a large glass, loaded with a combination of sweet, juicy, and creamy flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to refresh yourself while enjoying the music, dancing, and energy that characterizes this event.
This traditional Cali dessert is one of the gastronomic gems of the fair and can be found on every corner, at food stalls and street carts, making it a favorite among those seeking sweet relief in the midst of the festivities. A cold cholado is essential for enjoying the Cali Fair to the fullest!
Mango Biche: A Refreshing Treat from the Cali Fair
At the Cali Fair, there is nothing more delicious and refreshing than a good mango biche. This delicacy, made with fresh green mango, is the perfect snack to enjoy in the heat of the party, with its tart and juicy flavor that awakens all the senses.
Biche mango is served in strips or slices, perfectly seasoned with a mixture of salt, lemon, and, in some versions, a touch of hot chili pepper or sugar to intensify its flavor. The contrast between the sour, salty, and slightly spicy flavors makes it an explosion of freshness that refreshes the palate with every bite.
During the fair, this snack is everywhere, at food stalls and in the hands of those enjoying the dancing and music. It is the ideal accompaniment for laughter and celebration, and undoubtedly a must for those who want to savor the best of Cali’s cuisine while experiencing the unique energy of the Cali Fair. Don’t miss it!
Salchipapas at the Cali Fair: A Feast of Flavor and Joy!
The Cali Fair is not just salsa, parades, and wild parties. It is also a gastronomic journey that awakens the senses, and among all the delicacies that can be tasted, there is one that never goes unnoticed: salchipapas!
Every year, from December 25 to 30, the streets of Cali come alive with food stalls and culinary festivals offering an explosion of flavors. And amid this gastronomic diversity, salchipapas have become the queen of fast food during the fair. Whether you’re coming from the Salsódromo, the Cali Viejo Parade, or a popular festival, there will always be a stand ready to serve you this crispy and addictive delicacy.
The salchipapas at the Cali Fair are not your typical street food. Here, vendors have elevated this dish to another level, combining local ingredients, secret sauces, and a touch of Cali seasoning that makes them irresistible. Some come with coastal cheese sauce, others with pieces of artisanal chorizo, and even melted cheese for extra indulgence!
If you love this dish, during the fair you can find real gastronomic gems in iconic places such as the «Tascas» in Parque de la Caña, where the best examples of fast food come together. In addition, in neighborhoods such as Granada and Ciudad Jardín, there are restaurants that take great care to offer gourmet versions of this delicacy.
And for true fans, the Cali Fair is also an opportunity to discover new dishes. Some chefs have innovated with salchipapas made with cassava instead of potatoes, adding shredded meat, sautéed mushrooms, or even a spicy touch in the Valle del Cauca style.
So, if you visit the Cali Fair this year, get ready for a feast of flavors. Dance, enjoy the music, and don’t forget to stop and try a Cali-style salchipapa: crispy, full of flavor, and with that festive essence that only Sucursal del Cielo knows how to deliver. Don’t miss it!
Chorizos at the Cali Fair: A Delicacy You Can’t Miss!
The Cali Fair is synonymous with joy, music, and culture, but also with vibrant cuisine that delights locals and visitors alike. Among the most sought-after dishes are the unmistakable chorizos, a delicacy that cannot be missed at this Cali celebration.
From Santa Rosa chorizos, with their smoky and spicy flavor, to artisanal versions made with local ingredients from Valle del Cauca, this delicacy has become a staple of the fair. Whether in the iconic «Tascas» of Parque de la Caña, in traditional restaurants, or at the numerous street stalls, the irresistible aroma of grilled chorizo fills the festive atmosphere.
The magic of these chorizos lies in their preparation: browned to perfection over smoldering coals, they achieve that ideal balance between a crispy texture on the outside and juicy on the inside. Some serve them with corn arepas, while others accompany them with coastal whey, guacamole, or a generous portion of creole potatoes or fried yuca.
To enhance the experience, there is no better pairing than a refreshing lulada or a cold beer, which complement the spicy flavor of the chorizo and add the perfect touch to the feast.
If you visit the Cali Fair, get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey. Don’t forget to try Cali chorizos and let yourself be seduced by their authentic flavor!
Mazorca at the Cali Fair: Pure Flavor and Fun!
The Cali Fair is all about fun, enjoyment, and partying until dawn, but if there’s one thing that can’t be missing from this festive combo, it’s good food, and that’s where roasted corn on the cob comes into play. Man, that’s on another level!
Walking through the fair and smelling that aroma of corn roasting on the coals is like a direct invitation to flavor heaven. They add butter, grated cheese, and a pinch of salt, but if you’re someone who likes things with more flavor, you can also add sauces, bacon, or that touch of spice that gives it the Valle del Cauca seal of approval. It’s delicious!
If you want to find the best ones, you have to check out the «Tascas» in Parque de la Caña, or take a stroll around the Salsódromo, where the rumba never stops and food is the order of the day. In the party neighborhoods, there’s always a little stand where they serve corn on the cob that will revive even the most tired of souls.
And of course, this delicacy goes best with a cold lulada or a beer to cool off from the heat of the fair. The perfect combination to keep the party going without losing momentum.
So now you know, if you visit the Cali Fair and don’t eat a good roasted corn cob, you’re missing out. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this gem of Cali street food!
Champús, a true classic at the Cali Fair!
The Cali Fair is synonymous with celebration, music, and, of course, flavors that make us vibrate. And when it comes to cooling off, there’s nothing better than champús, a traditional drink from Valle del Cauca that is a true explosion of flavor.
If you’ve never tried champús, the Cali Fair is the perfect place to do so. This delicious blend of corn, lulo, pineapple, and spices will leave you ready to keep enjoying the nonstop party. Its thick texture and sweet touch make it the ideal ally for combating the heat and accompanying any craving for typical Cali food.
At the fair, you can find the best shampoos at the «Tascas» stalls in Parque de la Caña, near the Salsódromo, or anywhere where the music is loud. The key is to find it well chilled and with that soft corn portion that gives it that special touch.
And the best part is that the shampoos always come with something to eat, and what could be better than empanadas, marranitas, or aborrajados! The perfect combination to make the fair a delicious and complete experience.
So, if you’re at the Cali Fair and you don’t try a good champús, you’re missing out on a gem of Valle del Cauca cuisine! Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this refreshing drink that carries all the flavor of Valle del Cauca.
Aborrajadas potatoes without a Street Food Icon at the Cali Fair
Aborrajadas potatoes have earned a special place at the Cali Fair thanks to their versatility and unmistakable flavor. The process begins by cooking the potatoes until they reach the ideal texture, then lightly mashing them and dipping them in a thick batter made of flour, egg, and spices. Finally, they are fried in hot oil until they are perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and creamy on the inside.
During the fair, it is common to see street food stalls offering freshly made papas aborrajadas, served with traditional sauces such as ají, suero costeño, or mayonnaise. This dish is not only a quick and delicious option, but also represents the essence of Cali’s cuisine: simple, accessible, and full of flavor.
Aborrajadas potatoes are not just food; they are part of the identity of the Cali Fair, where every bite reflects the warmth and joy of this celebration. If you visit the fair, you can’t miss out on trying this classic street food, which will allow you to enjoy the party with the authentic taste of Cali in every bite.
Chuzos en Pincho: Smoked Flavor and Tradition
Another classic staple at the Cali Fair are chuzos en pincho, a delicious option for those looking for a more substantial meal without sacrificing the convenience of street food. These chuzos consist of pieces of beef, chicken, or pork, seasoned with spices and grilled, giving them a smoky and juicy flavor.
They are served with creole potatoes, arepa or bread, and are often topped with sauces such as ají, chimichurri or tartar sauce, giving them an extra touch of flavor. Their combination of ingredients and ease of consumption make them one of the most popular choices among fair attendees.
Loschuzos are not just food; they are part of the identity of the Cali Fair, where every bite reflects the warmth and joy of this celebration. If you visit the fair, you can’t miss out on trying these street food classics, which will allow you to enjoy the party with the authentic taste of Cali in every bite.
«Finally, thank you to everyone who has followed us in this special article we have prepared on the cuisine of the Cali Fair. Especially to all those good people from Cali (Colombia) and to the Murcians who read us from home. Together, Cali and Murcia are greater. Long live Colombia! Long live Spain!»
After that peculiar farewell in Panocho «En Murciano,» we recommend that if you want to continue reading articles as entertaining as the one you just read, you can check out our Hispanic Colombian blog, which is full of them. Here is more information about theCali Fair (Colombia).