The First "Quinoa and Potato Festival" in Berlin

From May 18-19th, 2024, the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin hosted the first "Quinoa and Potato Festival" in Berlin, a groundbreaking and unforgettable event celebrating the rich culinary and musical culture of South America. Quinua and Potatoes are two symbols of Peruvian and Latin American culture, hence the name of the event. From 1 pm to 4 am, over 100 artists performed on stage, including seven bands, various dancers and DJs.

During the event, visitors had the privilege of tasting exquisite dishes based on quinoa and potatoes, while enjoying a selection of invited artists who enriched the atmosphere with traditional melodies and rhythms.

This festival was not only a feast for the palate but also for the soul, marking a cultural milestone in the heart of Berlin. A significant number of guest artists, including musical groups, dancers, singers, and DJs, was present. Specifically, the event featured salsa, Peruvian chicha, cumbia, and Mexican dancers representing Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, creating a multicultural atmosphere that made attendees feel at home.

With an outstanding performance by the Bolivian band “Los Kjarkas”, an icon of folkloric music, this festival inaugurated a tradition of authentic and vibrant experiences. The folkloric group "Los Kjarkas" was founded in 1971 in Capinota, Bolivia, by Gonzalo Hermosa, Wilson Hermosa, Castel Hermosa, and Edgar Villarroel. They played Argentinean Zamba, Bolivian music, and their own songs. Most of the members were not fully dedicated to music, so Gonzalo Hermosa decided to form a new "Kjarkas" with his brothers Ulises, Elmer, and other members. The first Kjarkas album, "Bolivia" was released in 1976, and since then the band has released a new album every year.