Folkloric and Musical Group Apeyu’, with the support of Corporación Huiltur, the volunteer group Vigías del Patrimonio Cultural Huiltur, and the Macizo Colombiano: Cultura y Patrimonio Research Group
25-10-2025
La Plata (Colombia)
The Youth Traditional Transverse Flute Gathering of Southwestern Huila and Eastern Cauca is a meeting point for reflection, exchange, and celebration, where we reconnect with our roots and traditions through music. The transverse flute—an enduring symbol of resilience and cultural expression in these regions—reminds us of the beauty and importance of preserving our identity in a rapidly changing world.
For this fourth edition, the event takes a transformative step: moving from a competition format to a gathering. This change aims to create more horizontal spaces among participants, replacing competitive dynamics with collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and intergenerational exchange. Young flutists not only demonstrate their musical abilities but also embrace their role as bearers of intangible cultural heritage, actively participating in safeguarding traditions that unite communities across the territory.
The gathering on 25 October 2025 will bring together musicians from rural, urban, and indigenous contexts, fostering collective reflection on the meaning and future of the transverse flute tradition. Activities will include training workshops, knowledge-sharing circles with tradition bearers, artistic circulation events, and the creation of a multimedia collection documenting the musical heritage of the region.
In this edition, we also join the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the San Agustín and Tierradentro Archaeological Parks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These parks, located in Huila and Cauca, form a cultural corridor in which the municipality of La Plata (Huila) is immersed, strengthening historical and cultural connections across the region. The event poster features archaeological statuaries discovered in La Plata, highlighting the municipality’s deep ties to this shared heritage.
The 2025 Gathering is organized by the Folkloric and Musical Group Apeyu’, with the support of Corporación Huiltur (NGO-90576 accredited by UNESCO ICH Convention), the volunteer group Vigías del Patrimonio Cultural Huiltur, and the Macizo Colombiano: Cultura y Patrimonio Research Group. This edition proudly counts on the support of Agrigento, through its In(n)ovar 2025 program, which fosters innovation in social action through music across Latin America.
Together, these alliances make it possible to maintain authenticity while innovating in the ways traditional music is preserved, shared, and experienced. The sound of the transverse flute—resonating through mountains, rivers, and plazas—continues to be a living, vibrant expression of identity, resilience, and cultural pride for the peoples of Huila and Cauca.
- Memories of the 2nd Youth Traditional Transverse Flute Competition
- Repertoire of traditional music for the traditional Huila-Cauca transverse flute (Colombia)
Programme
- 8:30 AM – Participatory training session for young traditional transverse flute players from Southwestern Huila and Eastern Cauca.
- 10:30 AM – Reflection and knowledge-sharing dialogue between traditional musicians of different generations.
- 2:00 PM – Arts circulation event for young traditional transverse flute players from Southwestern Huila and Eastern Cauca.
Text as provided by the organiser(s).
