‘El Centurión de la salsa’, inspired by Joe Arroyo, took first place in the handmade suit contest in Cartagena.
The Customs Square was the scene of a magical night during the Night of Festive Tradition, where creativity and local talent shined brightly. The candidate Josabeth Morales, representative of the Olaya Herrera neighborhood, Central sector, was crowned the winner with a striking outfit titled ‘El Centurión de la salsa’.
This piece designed by Randy Severiche pays tribute to the unforgettable Joe Arroyoone of the greatest exponents of Cartagena salsa, in addition to celebrating other emblematic figures such as Belmir Caraballo, Julio Teherán and the group Las Cobras.
Read here:¡Batteries! These are the sanctions and fines for animal abuse in Colombia
Josabeth Morales’ design conquered both the public and the demanding jury composed of the social communicator Ricardo Chica Gelis, the designer and former Miss Bolívar María Fernanda Villamarín Samur, and the renowned designer Estefanía Álvarez Londoño. The evaluation criteria included quality, coherence with the festive theme and staging.
The second and third places went to the neighborhood candidates. Villa Rubia and La Campiña, with designs signed by Rafael Palma, demonstrating a high level of innovation and respect for local traditions.
“I feel very grateful to God, my entourage and the people of Cartagena for this recognition. This suit is a tribute to our cultural icons and a symbol of our identity,” Josabeth expressed excitedly after her victory.
Read here: Beware of fake bills! Five keys to recognize them
The event featured a first-class musical party, with folklore and merengue performed by Gamero’s Soneros and their new female voice Miriam Negrete, and the unstoppable energy of merenguero Eddy Herrera, who encouraged attendees with hits like ‘A dorm junticos’ and ‘Pégame tu vice’.
Dumek Turbay Paz, mayor of Cartagena, highlighted the importance of the Night of Festive Tradition to promote culture and citizen unity. For her part, Lucy Espinosa, director of the IPCC, highlighted the tribute to Caribbean roots reflected in the designs and presentations.
Alejandra Espinosa, Festival Manager, closed the night celebrating joy and the respect of the public, recognizing the efforts of designers, candidates and artists who gave life to an evening full of identity and passion for what we do.
