Trova Festival in Manizales: History, Poets and Where to See It Live

What it is and context

If you think poetry only lives in books, you haven't been to a trova festival in Manizales. Here, verses are thrown into the air like stabs of wit, with mandatory rhyme and a guitar in between. Trova is that verbal duel where two singers face off with improvised coplas, measuring their cunning, their mischief, and their command of language. It's not a concert: it's a battle of wits where the audience is both judge and participant.

In Colombia, trova has deep roots in the paisa and Antioquia region, but it is Manizales that elevated it to the category of a national festival. For decades, this peasant tradition—born in the fondas and wood-fired stoves—has become one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Feria de Manizales. And it's no wonder: watching two trovadores face off is like attending a chess final, but with humor, double entendre, and the occasional jab that makes even the most serious person laugh.

What makes Manizales' trova special is its popular and streetwise character. It doesn't need grand stages or sophisticated lights: just a microphone, a guitar, and two opponents with sharp tongues. In August 2026, the city will once again dress up for a party to welcome the country's best versifiers, and you have the opportunity to witness this living heritage.

Event details: the Festival Nacional de la Trova

The Festival Nacional de la Trova is one of the flagship events of the Feria de Manizales, held every year in January. However, in recent years, special editions and preliminary meetings have been organized during the second half of the year. For August 2026, a special program is expected with qualifiers, semifinals, and a grand final that will crown the new national champion.

How does the competition work?

If you've never seen a trova duel, the dynamics are simple but fascinating:

• The face-off: Two trovadores take turns improvising coplas (stanzas of four verses, usually octosyllabic) on a theme imposed by the jury or the audience.
• The themes: They can range from "love for one's mother" to "the economic crisis" or "last night's soccer game." The charm lies in how the trovador turns a difficult theme into a brilliant copla.
• The reply: It's not just about singing well: you have to respond with wit to your opponent's jabs. The duel becomes a verbal ping-pong where the one who runs out of answers loses points.
• The jury: They score meter, rhyme, content, charm, and stage presence. It's not enough to rhyme "love" with "dove": you have to surprise.
• The final round: The two best face off in a final "controversy" that can last up to 30 minutes. The audience vibrates, applauds, and sometimes even shouts suggestions.

General schedule (August 2026)

The exact schedule is usually announced a couple of weeks before the event, but the traditional format includes:

• Qualifiers: Thursday and Friday in the afternoon, with trovadores from all over the country participating.
• Semifinals: Saturday morning, with the top 8 qualifiers.
• Grand final: Saturday night or Sunday at noon, depending on the venue.
• Free trova nights: Informal spaces where the audience can challenge trovadores with difficult themes or simply enjoy improvisation without competition.

It is recommended to check times and venues directly on the official page of the Feria de Manizales or on the social media of the Alcaldía de Manizales, as logistics can vary from one edition to another.

Prices and how to get tickets

One of the best pieces of news for attendees is that most trova events in Manizales are free. The tradition of trova is popular, and its essence lies in free access for everyone. However, capacity is limited in some indoor venues, so it's best to arrive early.

• Outdoor events (squares and parks): Free entry, no tickets. Arrive 30 minutes early to get a good spot.
• Events in theaters or auditoriums: May have a symbolic ticket fee (between $10,000 and $30,000 COP) or be free with prior registration. Prices are a reference for August 2026 and subject to change.
• Workshops and talks: Generally free, but require registration on-site or through the festival's social media.

For the grand final, if it takes place in a theater like the Teatro Fundadores or the Centro Cultural del Banco de la República, free tickets are likely to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep an eye on announcements a week before.

How to get there

Manizales is a compact and walkable city, but it has slopes that will remind you that you're in the mountains. The main trova venues are in the historic center and its surroundings.

Usual venues

• Plaza de Bolívar: The heart of the city, in front of the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana. Qualifiers and free trova nights are held here. Walk if you're staying in the center or take a taxi from anywhere in the city (typical fares from $8,000 to $15,000 COP).
• Teatro Fundadores: Located on Carrera 23 with Calle 21, a few blocks from Plaza de Bolívar. It's the main venue for the final. If you're coming from the Cable Aéreo, get off at the Fundadores station and walk two blocks.
• Centro Cultural del Banco de la República: On Calle 23 with Carrera 21, very close to Teatro Fundadores. An intimate space for talks and acoustic performances.
• Parque Caldas: On Carrera 23 with Calle 25, another traditional spot for outdoor events. Perfect if you want to combine trova with a coffee nearby.

Transportation

If you're coming from outside, the Cable Aéreo de Manizales is the most practical way to move between the upper part and the center. The Fundadores station drops you steps away from the main venues. Taxis are abundant and affordable, and the urban bus system (with routes like Villamaría-Cable or Palermo-Centro) connects you to the whole city for less than $3,000 COP.

If you're driving, be aware that parking in the center is complicated. Better option: park at the Parqueadero del Cable Aéreo (near the Vulcanizadora station) or in the public parking lots on Carrera 22 and walk. Manizales is small: everything will be within a 15-minute walk.

Profiles of famous trovadores and historical winners

Part of the charm of trova lies in knowing its figures. Here are some names the festival has produced that you might see in recent editions:

The historical figures

• Óscar Díaz: One of the most respected trovadores in Colombia, winner on multiple occasions of the Festival Nacional de la Trova. His style is reflective and elegant, with impeccable meter.
• Jhon Jaime Pérez: Known for his mental speed and sharp humor. He has been champion in several editions and is a reference for new generations.
• Carlos Mario Giraldo: A representative of traditional Antioquia trova, with a more peasant and costumbrista style. His coplas about rural life are memorable.

The new generations

In recent years, the festival has promoted the participation of female trovadoras and young people, breaking the stereotype that trova is only for older men. Names like Laura Castaño (an improviser from Bogotá) and Valentina Restrepo (from Medellín) have shown that wit has no gender. If you attend the qualifiers, you'll likely discover the next big figure in Colombian trova.

A curious fact

Did you know that Manizales' trova has its own "manifesto"? In 1998, a group of trovadores wrote the "Decálogo del Trovador", a set of unwritten rules that include: "Do not use personal offense as a resource," "Do not repeat rhymes already used in the same round," and "The audience is the final judge." This deca

Tips for attendees

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## Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy Tickets for the Festival de la Trova in Manizales are now available. Prices range from 30,000 to 100,000 COP, depending on the stage and location. You can purchase your tickets on the official festival website [www.festivaldelatrova.com](http://www.festivaldelatrova.com) or at authorized sales points like Éxito and TuBoleta. ## Official Schedule and Stage Timetables The official schedule features a variety of prominent poets and troubadours. The festival will take place from November 15 to 17. The main stages are: - **Main Stage**: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM - **Alternative Stage**: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Check the complete schedule on the festival's website. ## Getting There and Local Safety Tips To get to the festival, you can use local public transport, such as buses and taxis. It is recommended to use mobility apps for added safety. Additionally, it is advisable not to carry valuable items and to stay alert to your belongings during the event.