Villa de Leyva, Colombia - August 17, 2024

Villa de Leyva, Colombia - Recent

The 47th Wind and Kite Festival opened on Saturday in the Colombian town of Villa de Leyva, with traditional Chinese kites receiving a warm welcome and eliciting cheers from the spectators.

During the three-day event, the skies over the small town are filled with a large variety of colorful kites.

The kite festival activities are running from 09:00 to 19:00, featuring various kite-flying competitions every half an hour, inviting both professionals and kite enthusiasts to compete together.

This year's guest of honor is China, the country that gave rise to the ancient art of kite-making which is still widely enjoyed today.

A nearly 30-meter-long Chinese dragon kite and other traditional-style Chinese kites soaring in the blue sky have wowed the audience at the kite festival.

The Wind and Kite Festival was first launched in 1975 and has since become an annual event. It is Colombia's largest and most famous kite festival, attracting a myriad of participants every year.

Shotlist:
Villa de Leyva, Colombia - Recent:
1. Spectators at kite flying festival;
2. Various of contestants at kite flying festival, kites soaring in sky;
3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Christian Jimenez, kite lover (starting with shot 2):
"I'm 21 years old this year and have been making kites for about five years. I've been interested in this traditional craft since I was very young.";
4. Various of Chinese dragon kite, spectators;
5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Kite lover (name not given) (ending with shot 6):
"We have been organizing this event for over 40 years. It is fascinating. I'm very happy that you (China) have come to Colombia (to participate in the event), helping us learn more about kites. We are very grateful for China's support and everything you have brought.";
6. Kites flying in sky.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]