The end of a century draws near, and a host of opportunities beckon from Sounth America - intourism as well as commerce. Colombia, Bounded by both the Atlantic and Pacific, offers the Cauca Valley For the latest in rest, culture and recreation.

Nestled in the vast verdure of the Cauca Valley is its capital - the City of
Santiago de Cali. Abustling metropolis of two million, it is where the old meets the new.
Founded on the 25 th of july 1536 by the spanish conqueror
Sebastián de Belalcázar, its centuries - old traditions now make way for the cultural
opportunities of tomorrow. Wiht year - round temperatures averanging 26 degrees
Celsius, the city's allure is hard to deny.

Within this tropical setting we find a people whose friendliness, enthusiasm,
civility and musical talent have led to a surprising level of social advancement
giving the city an internacional reputation for its charm and conviviality.

Here, in this region of bautiful women and awe - inspiring natural wonders,
is where the Cali fair is held yearly - one of the continent's most important events
in the field of popular entertainment. For five days at the end of December,
the whole word's entertaiment industry focuses on
Santiago de Cali - together with the many thousands of tourists and entrepreneurs
who congregate here.

By the past forty years, Santiago de Cali has hosted what has become the most important program of activities in the history of la tin american fairs. Drawing on both native talent and the best offerings of U.S., central American and European showmanship, the Organization Feria de Cali has achieved international status wiht ist yearly show - an event that draws tourists from near and far.

From december 25 th to 30 th, the whole city is transformed by the fair´s
carnival - like atmosphere. Natives and tourists alike are swept up by the
entracing syncopation of salsa, cumbia reggae and other afro - Caribbean
rhythms. Day after day, internacional entertainers vie for attention wiht local
beauty pageants, tradicional dance troupes, the refrain of golden oldies and
enticing aromas of cook - outs.

But the Cali Fair also has its financial side
one that has draw the attention of investors and
businessmen keen on the opportunities provided
by the busiest month of the year.

It is the month in which Cali's streets and avenues come alive with shoppers. And perhaps more than at any other time of year, the women for whom the city is famous are to be seen wherever one looks. Likewise, the city's commerce and industry are revitalizad by the pent - up demand so common to year's end.

The Cali's fair - together with the bullfinghts of the Fiesta Brava - make for an unforgettable event. The Cañaveralejo Bull Ring is renowned for the quality of its fights and the skill of its bullfighters - a show that draws bigger crowds with each passing year. Next time, join the crow. See by yourself what the Cali's Fair is all about!.

Come to Santiago de Cali, where you can

* Take part in the contagius merriment of the " International Festival of Orchestras" - a marathon music fest that provides over ten hours of non - stop entertaiment by top performers from Cuba, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, New York, Mexico , South America and Europe.

* Attend the " Great International Oldies" - a new form of entertaiment for those who remember the great songs of yesteryear. Featuring groups that bring those Golden Oldies back to life, the program runs for five days straight.

* Check out the " Super Salsa Concert" . Live entertainment by the folks whose rhythms are number one on the Caribbean music stations. The show is traditionally held in Cali's Pascual Guerrero Stadium - Where funs can let themselves go.

* Take in the " feria Popular Caleña" - truly a popular get- together of native and imported talent. For five straight days, foreign and home - grown talent meld in a merry free-for-all. Political figures, community leaders and local businessmen join forces to provide fun for one and all.

* Attennd the ¨ Plaza Cañavaralejo bullfights ¨. The fiesta brava shows its colors with the best bulls and bullfighters from bith Europe and the Americas.

* Enjoy traditional culinary deligths in the ¨ festival Gastronóminco ¨ .

* Rub shoulders whit the most friendly, fun - loving and carefree folks in south America. Think about it. Include The Santiago de Cali Fair in your next vacation