Viña del Mar Song Festival 2024: Hosts Navigate Challenges and Embrace Unity in the Face of Tragedy”
Tonight marks the commencement of the Viña del Mar Song Festival, Latin music’s enduring and widely-watched extravaganza, celebrating its 63rd year, with over 200 million anticipated viewers. The festival, only briefly interrupted by two years of Covid-19 shutdown, unfolds with stellar performances from global music icons.
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Viña del Mar Song Festival
The opening act at the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater tonight features Alejandro Sanz and Manuel Turizo. The week ahead promises captivating shows, including Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli on Monday, Feb. 26, with Miranda! as the second act; Maná and Men at Work on Feb. 27; Mora and Anitta on Feb. 29; a night dedicated to Chilean artists with Los Bunkers and Young Cister on March 1; and concluding on Feb. 2 with Maria Becerra, who stepped in for Peso Pluma after the latter canceled his Latin American tour last week. Trueno will be the second artist of the night.
Despite the spotlight on artists, competitions, and comedy, the festival’s backbone lies in its hosts. María Luisa Godoy and Francisco Saavedra, both seasoned journalists and presenters, are entrusted with steering the festival through six consecutive nights of six-hour-plus performances. They not only introduce acts but also navigate the nuances of various artists, comedians, and the lively Quinta Vergara audience, affectionately known as “the monster.”
This year, Godoy and Saavedra face an additional challenge, given Viña del Mar’s recent ordeal with fires that claimed over 120 lives and destroyed over 15,000 homes. Ahead of their stage appearance, the hosts share their perspective on preparing for the world’s largest festival.
In an interview, Godoy and Saavedra acknowledge the festival’s 70-year history and emphasize the unique circumstances this year. Saavedra notes the tragedy in Viña del Mar, with a supportive tone infused throughout the broadcast. A QR code will be displayed for viewers to contribute to the city’s reconstruction.
The hosts discuss the shift in tone due to the recent tragedy, modifying scripts to reflect empathy and respect. Godoy highlights the challenges of presenting in a venue where nearly 90% of Chile’s population tunes in at some point, describing the Viña del Mar audience as participative and potentially ruthless.
Reflecting on their preparations, Saavedra explains the editorial work involved, including rehearsals to handle various scenarios such as applause, booing, teleprompter issues, and delays. They underscore the need to be prepared for the unique audience in Viña del Mar, known for their active engagement.
Godoy shares a memorable experience from the 2020 festival during a period of social unrest in the country. Barricades surrounded the venue, making it challenging for artists to reach the stage. Ricky Martin played a crucial role in calming nerves and ensuring the festival proceeded.
Saavedra, in his first year, expresses excitement about participating in the most significant festival in Latin America, seeing it as a dream come true. Godoy, despite her background in political journalism, views hosting Viña as a pivotal moment in her career, representing a unique opportunity to showcase Chile on a global stage.
In response to a question about balancing their complex hosting roles with personal lives, Godoy emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and making motherhood compatible with work. Saavedra, an openly gay host with two children, discusses the positive reception and progress in addressing homophobia.
As they embark on hosting the Viña del Mar Song Festival, Godoy and Saavedra convey a commitment to not only entertain but also to contribute to the healing process for Viña del Mar after the recent tragedy.
