On the evening of August 18, 2024, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an unexpected appearance at the Petronio Álvarez Music Festival in Cali, Colombia.
This renowned festival, named in honor of the illustrious musician Petronio Álvarez, is dedicated to celebrating Colombia’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the diverse rhythms and traditions of the Pacific region. However, what was intended to be a joyous celebration of Colombian musical legacy quickly descended into controversy due to the couple's unanticipated stage presence.
The Petronio Álvarez Music Festival is a cherished cultural event in Colombia, known for its vibrant display of Afro-Colombian culture. It gathers musicians, dancers, and artisans who showcase the rich traditions and artistic creativity of the Pacific region. The festival serves as a tribute to Petronio Álvarez, a prominent figure in Colombian music whose profound contributions left a lasting impact until his death in 1966 at the age of 52. The festival's mission is to honor Álvarez’s legacy and celebrate the cultural richness of the region.
However, Prince Harry and Meghan's unscheduled appearance at this year's festival ignited outrage, particularly among those who feel the couple and their supporters, known as the Sussex Squad, have once again overshadowed the true essence of the event. The Sussex Squad claimed that the large crowd at the festival was primarily there to see Harry and Meghan—a suggestion that many find preposterous. The notion that thousands of festival-goers purchased tickets specifically to see the couple seems both absurd and infuriating to those who deeply value the cultural significance of the festival.
The Petronio Álvarez Music Festival has long been celebrated as a showcase of Afro-Colombian culture, making it implausible that attendees were primarily interested in the brief appearance of two foreign royals rather than the music, dance, and artistry for which the festival is renowned. This incident is not the first time the couple has been accused of inflating their significance in events they have little to do with. This pattern of positioning themselves as central figures in events that would have been noteworthy regardless of their presence reflects a recurring narrative that many find self-serving.
In reality, festival-goers were likely far more interested in immersing themselves in the cultural experience rather than focusing on the fleeting appearance of Harry and Meghan. Many attendees might not have even recognized the couple, concentrating instead on the electrifying performances and the celebration of Afro-Colombian culture that the festival embodies. The festival, after all, is more than just another entry on the social calendar; it is a vibrant celebration honoring a musical icon while embracing modern interpretations of traditional Colombian music.
The Sussex Squad's attempt to reshape the narrative of Harry and Meghan's appearance at the Petronio Álvarez Music Festival has been met with widespread skepticism. The festival’s success and popularity are rooted in its rich cultural heritage, not in the transient presence of two ex-royals. Suggesting that the crowd's primary interest was in Harry and Meghan, rather than in the cultural festivities, is not only misleading but also disrespectful to the festival and its participants.
