On June 28, 2019, Colombia Post issued a stamp commemorating the 51st International Joropo Tournament.

I'm afraid it's impossible to describe the theme of this stamp without a brief digression into the history and traditions of Colombia's Orinoquia region.

So, in eastern Colombia, where the country borders Venezuela and Brazil, lie endless plains called llanos—these territories are also called Orinoquia or Llanos Orinoco, after the Orinoco River, in whose basin they lie.

Orinoquia is Colombia's main livestock-raising region, with pastures of dense, tall grass stretching for miles around. It is home to Colombian-Venezuelan herders, the llaneros, who tend countless herds grazing in the savannah. The llaneros have a reputation not only as excellent horsemen and herders, but also as brave warriors. Llanero mounted units took part in many battles during Colombia's independence struggle.

Over several centuries, a distinct subculture developed in the Llanos Orinoco, incorporating the customs and traditions of the peoples who settled in these plains. Local characteristics and lifestyles were superimposed upon it, and through these fusions and borrowings, a unique Llanero culture emerged. Their manner of speech, cuisine, music, and even appearance immediately distinguish the Llaneros from those of other regions of Colombia. They are extremely proud of their identity and always emphasize it.

The regional center is the city of Villavicencio (the capital of the department of Meta), where for the past 50 years the largest and most colorful festival celebrating Llanero culture and traditions has been held annually: the Miguel Ángel Martín International Joropo Tournament. Joropo is the traditional music and dance of the llaneros of Colombia and Venezuela.

The llaneros' primary instruments are the essential Creole harp, a small four-string guitar, as well as the bandola and maracas. Joropo music was influenced by flamenco and the rhythms of Spanish Andalusia, but the llaneros didn't simply copy the Spanish style; they developed and interpreted it locally. The hard life of shepherds in the savannah, the everyday life, and the romance of "cowboy" labor are fully reflected in the music of the llaneros. Joropo dance is sometimes called a Creole waltz, but waltz figures are complemented by fiery tap dancing. The traditional llaneros' clothing and dance style have much in common with Spanish and Italian dances and clothing.

Every year, the International Joropo Tournament brings together hundreds of singers and llanero performers from Colombia and Venezuela. In addition to music and dance competitions, the program includes a colorful horse parade and coleo—a traditional rodeo-like sport showcasing the professional skills of herders and horsemen—as well as a local food festival.

The postage stamp issued in honor of the festival features the renowned singer and musician, special guest and laureate of the 51st International Joropo Tournament, Walter Silva. This photograph was the official poster for the festival and was used in all promotional materials and event design. The musician stands next to a horse, placing his hand on its muzzle, emphasizing that the horse is the llanero's constant companion and faithful helper, an integral part of the traditional life of Colombian "cowboys."

The 200th anniversary of Colombia's independence is a common theme throughout this year's postage stamp issues, and this stamp also features background images of the Llanero cavalry unit that participated in the liberation campaign under the command of Colonel Juan José Rondón.

The stamps were issued in 2 x 2 sheetlets with artistically decorated margins. The post office also issued a first-day cover, and a commemorative cancellation took place on June 28, 2019, in Villavicencio during the festival. Singer Walter Silva and the governor of the department of Meta, Marcela Amaya, participated in the cancellation ceremony.

Source: www.afitecol.com