Concert of Hope in Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá: music, messages, and riots marked the day

On a day filled with music, social protest, and logistical tensions, Plaza Bolívar hosted the VI Concert of Hope – Latin America Migrants Resists this Sunday, June 8, 2025, which brought together thousands of people in the center of the capital. From noon until late at night, artists from different corners of Latin America stirred the political and cultural heart of Colombia, while the event unfolded amidst crowds, disorder, and political messages that set the tone for the day.

The event, organized by RTVC Public Media System , sought to highlight the struggles of migrant communities on the continent, especially in the context of violence, forced displacement, and social exclusion. With free access and national and international television and radio coverage, the concert became one of the most important cultural events in Bogotá.

The stage set up in front of the Palace of Justice witnessed a high-caliber musical parade. Joseito Oviedo, Motilonas RAP, and Velandia y La Tigra opened the afternoon with sounds of Llanera roots, indigenous rap, and rasqa. Then, iconic groups such as Inti-Illimani (Chile), Apache (Venezuela), Alí ​​AKA Mind, and Miguel Tapia of Los Prisioneros ignited the audience's spirits with lyrics of resistance and memory.

The night arrived with the highly anticipated performances by Bersuit Vergarabat, Mägo de Oz, and Los Van Van, bringing a spirited close to a day that combined art and political commitment. The musical diversity reflected the Latin American spirit of the concert, which also featured performances by social leaders, migrants, and human rights defenders.

One of the most talked-about moments of the event was the presence of journalist and current director of RTVC , Hollman Morris, who took the stage before sunset to deliver a few remarks. In his remarks, Morris called for peace, for the defense of migration as a human right, and criticized the calls for the event's cancellation following the attack on Senator Miguel Uribe the day before.

"This concert is an act of life in the face of death, of art in the face of violence. We cannot give in to fear," Morris said, as the audience applauded his performance.

Hollman Morris opens the concert "For Peace, for Life" in Plaza de Bolivar, Bogotá, despite the recent attack on Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. pic.twitter.com/jUHq8xISei

— Colombia Movement (@movimientocol) June 8, 2025

Despite the artistic success and massive attendance, the event was not without controversy. The General Secretariat of the Bogotá Mayor's Office publicly warned about the risks of overcrowding and denounced that security and evacuation controls were insufficient for the volume of attendees. Minor disturbances were reported at the entrances on Calle 11, where some people attempted to enter uncontrolled. Fainting, difficulty accessing restrooms, and at times overwhelmed emergency services were also reported.

#Report | Concert for Hope. The Social Dialogue Team remains at the scene. A few minutes ago, attendees ignored the security checkpoints set up for the event. However, managers managed to control the situation. At the time, Plaza de Bolívar was… pic.twitter.com/YvJHhKC0mg

— Government Secretariat (@GobiernoBTA) June 8, 2025

The Metropolitan Police had to intervene several times to calm the shoving and prevent crushes in the surrounding areas of the square. Although no serious incidents were reported, several attendees complained about the absence of logistics personnel at critical points and the lack of information about exit routes.

The concert, celebrated as an event of culture, integration, and remembrance, also drew political criticism. Some sectors questioned the decision not to postpone the event following the attack on Senator Uribe Turbay, who was wounded in an attack on Saturday, June 7, in Bogotá. The President's Office defended the concert as a "demonstration of life" in the face of fear and violence.

With an estimated attendance of more than 50,000 people, the VI Concert of Hope will go down in memory as a historic day for music and social movements in Colombia, but also as a challenge for the organization of mass events in the city.

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