The International Song Festival of Viña del Mar 2025 took place this week in Chile, with the participation of artists from different countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and the United States. The guitarist of Los Prisioneros, Claudio Narea, highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it is highly appreciated in many places and becomes a sort of national holiday.
"Everyone ends up talking about the Viña Festival or watching it, of course. In many countries, the Viña Festival is highly valued," the musician added. This year, the festival celebrated its 64th edition, including an international and folkloric competition with a remarkable level of songs, according to Narea, who is also part of the jury.
During the last two days, artists such as Duki, Eladio Carrión, Morat, and Sebastián Yatra performed, among others. Throughout its history, the festival has hosted renowned figures like The Police, Elton John, and Lionel Richie. Despite its current fame, Los Prisioneros faced difficulties in their early days to be part of the event due to their critical content during the Pinochet dictatorship.
Narea recalled anecdotes of the band in Viña del Mar, such as their performance in 2003, one of the most memorable of the festival. The musician also mentioned events that marked the history of the festival, such as the earthquake in 2010 that forced the cancellation of a day. He also emphasized the importance of the seagull-shaped award given to the best artists, symbolizing the coastal city.
The musician expressed his satisfaction with the tribute received at the festival and highlighted the historical relevance of the event in Chile, involving the whole country in this celebration. In his opinion, the International Song Festival of Viña del Mar is a topic of conversation both nationally and internationally, showcasing its relevance and impact on the music industry.
