This is Afro-Colombian Week, celebrating the culture of Colombians of African origin, who make up perhaps 20% of Colombia's population.

The celebrations include food, music and handicrafts near the Las Aguas TransMilenio station, as well as events at the Gaitan Theatre on Ave. Septima.

Bogotá, at 2,600 meters above sea level, actually has a beach - here in Simon Bolivar Park.

Simon Bolivar Park, in northwest Bogotá, is the city's biggest park - larger even than New York's Central Park. Simon Bolivar Park, named after the leader of the revolution against Spain, actually consists of several smaller 'sub-parks', including Parque de los Novios (Lovers' Park), a library with a park around it, a sports park, the Botanical Gardens and Central Park (pictured here), the largest of them.

Simon Bolívar is the scene of many cultural events, including Salsa al Parque and Rock al Parque, which is the largest free musical event in Latin America. It lasts three days and attracts bands from all over the world.

A family affair: This family from Cordoba are a common site in central Bogotá playing lively vallenato music. Their name: 'Alegria Vallenata.'