The Fourth Charango Festival of America is coming up!

Cuenca is preparing for a major cultural event. The Fourth American Charango Festival, taking place on September 24th and 25th, 2025, is more than just a concert; it's a convergence of talent, history, and Andean tradition. The Pumapungo Theatre will host this festival, which aims to celebrate the profound legacy of an instrument that has defined the music of an entire region.

The charango is a living testament to the cultural fusion that took place in the Andes. Its origins date back to the arrival of the Spanish in South America, who brought string instruments like the vihuela and the baroque guitar. Over time, indigenous artisans adapted these instruments to their own needs and resources, using native woods and often the shell of an armadillo for the soundbox. The result was the charango, a smaller, high-pitched instrument that quickly integrated into folklore and traditional music.

Today, the charango is a symbol of cultural identity in countries like Bolivia, Peru, and southern Ecuador, recognized by UNESCO as an important element of intangible heritage. Its versatility allows it to adapt to both melancholic melodies and vibrant festive rhythms, narrating the history and emotions of its people.

This festival is a reflection of the continent's rich musical tapestry, featuring artists who honor both tradition and innovation.

• Oscar Miranda (Argentina): From the Argentine Puna, Miranda is a charango ambassador who has taken his music beyond folk circuits. His work is characterized by an exploration of new harmonies and genres, demonstrating the charango's ability to engage with other musical styles.

• Luciel Izumi (Bolivia): As one of the most prominent female charango players in Bolivia, Izumi stands out for her virtuosity and her deep connection to her country's roots. Her presence at the festival highlights the importance of women in the charango scene, a field historically dominated by men.

• Ayllu Llajkta & Wayrapamushkas (Ecuador): These local groups represent the vitality of Andean music in Ecuador. With their commitment to preserving ancestral melodies and their ability to incorporate contemporary elements, they show that tradition is alive and evolving in our own land.

There could not be a more fitting venue for this festival. The Pumapungo Theatre is not only a modern cultural center but is also built on an archaeological site of immense historical value. Its foundations rest on the ruins of the ancient Inca city of Tomebamba and the original Cañari settlement, making it a space where the past and present converge. Celebrating an instrument with such a deep history in a place that breathes the past is an act of profound cultural resonance.

The success of events like this is largely due to the support of institutions dedicated to culture. The Ministry of Culture and Heritage of Ecuador plays a fundamental role by providing the infrastructure and institutional framework for these artistic expressions to take place. Similarly, the participation of the Artistic Ensembles from the National University of Education (UNAE) elevates the festival from a mere spectacle to an educational platform. By integrating its students and faculty into the event, UNAE promotes the research, preservation, and dissemination of the charango among future generations of musicians and educators.

The public is invited to join this celebration of music, culture, and history. Admission is free, and the concerts begin at 7:00 PM, offering the community a chance to reflect, learn, and appreciate the richness of the Andean identity through the strings of the charango.

Source

• El Mercurio