Conferences and Seminars
29th Villa de Leyva Astronomy Festival
March 20–22, 2026
The Villa de Leyva Astronomy Festival is one of the most established science outreach events in Colombia and throughout Latin America. With nearly three decades of history, it has helped bring knowledge of the universe closer to the general public. Held in the municipality of Villa de Leyva, in the department of Boyacá, the event combines science, education, and public participation in a setting known for the quality of its skies and its outstanding cultural heritage.
The 2026 edition, marking the festival’s 29th year, will take place from March 20 to 22, with Spain as the guest country of honor, further strengthening the event’s international profile. The Spanish delegation includes Antonia Varela, Director of the Starlight Foundation and an astrophysicist at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, along with Juan Vicente Ledesma, Óscar Martín Mesonero, and Luis Miguel Azorín.
Over the course of three days, the festival brings together researchers, science communicators, scientific institutions, astrophotographers, and astronomy enthusiasts for a program featuring more than 30 activities.
The program includes scientific lectures, specialized workshops, solar and nighttime telescope observations, as well as outreach activities such as planetarium sessions and astrophotography exhibitions. The topics covered include the evolution of our understanding of the universe, meteor observation, the relationship between astronomy and local territories, and the latest advances in space exploration.
The festival also maintains a strong focus on public participation, with activities open to everyone and proposals designed for all levels of knowledge, from beginners to specialized audiences. Astrophotography plays a prominent role in the program through an international competition recognizing several categories, including astronomical landscapes, deep-sky objects, and the Solar System.
The 2026 edition also places particular emphasis on astrotourism and its potential as a tool for sustainable development and for strengthening the connection between science and local communities. The participation of international experts, particularly those from Spain, helps enrich the exchange of knowledge and positions the festival as a leading platform for cooperation between Europe and Latin America.
Through these initiatives, the Villa de Leyva Astronomy Festival continues to establish itself as a key event for promoting science outreach, protecting the night sky, and fostering the growing public interest in observing the stars under optimal conditions.