Huge Turnout for 'Concierto Paz Sin Fronteras'

Last Sunday, March 16th, the Concierto Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace Without Borders Concert) was held on the Simon Bolivar Bridge that links Cucuta, Colombia and San Antonio del Tachira, Venezuela. 300,000 eager fans of both Colombian and Venezuelan nationalities lined the border river banks in order to demonstrate a desire for Latin unity that transcends national borders and, not coincidentally, to hear a historic free concert boasting some of Latin music’s greatest artists.

The concert was organized by Colombian superstar Juanes in the wake of growing political tension that followed the death of Raul Reyes of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) by Colombian soldiers on Ecuadorian soil. Juanes announced the concert as he kicked-off the U.S. leg of his world tour at Madison Square Garden saying “This night as a Colombian, I want to extend my right hand and embrace all my Ecuadorian brothers, I want to extend my left hand and embrace all my Venezuelan brothers and that we embrace so that together we form the flag of peace."

The artists wore white, white flags decorated the stage and most of the attendees wore white as well, representing a peace flag of 300,000 strong. The performers (in alphabetical order) included Miguel Bose, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Ricardo Montaner, Alejandro Sanz, Juan Fernando Velasco and Carlos Vives. Colombian star Shakira was not able to attend due to commitments in Asia, but she taped a video of apology and support (in Spanish).

What a concert that must have been! If you, like myself, were only able to be on those river banks in spirit, you can watch some of the concert virtually.