Paipa, Colombia — The serene lakeside community of Paipa is preparing to host a poignant weekend festival in memory of Yeison Jiménez, the beloved Colombian music star who tragically died in a plane crash on January 10. On June 9, municipal officials announced that the Festival del Lago 2026, scheduled for June 13 and 14, will serve as a heartfelt tribute not just to Jiménez but also to the five others who perished alongside him.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Lago Sochagota, near the site of the accident, this year’s festival will intertwine traditional sporting events and cultural celebrations with a two-day commemoration. The event will culminate with a memorial mass, a performance by Jiménez’s longtime backing band, and the unveiling of a bronze sculpture dedicated to the singer.
Mayor Germán Ricardo Camacho expressed the community’s desire to honor Jiménez’s legacy, stating that the festival holds significant meaning for the town and invites everyone to join the tribute. “We felt it was essential to dedicate this year’s festival to our beloved artist Yeison Jiménez and the members of his band who also lost their lives in this tragic accident,” he remarked.
The emotional highlight of the weekend will occur on Sunday, June 14, with a noon outdoor mass at Lago Sochagota’s events plaza. The service will feature local choirs and the Symphonic Band of the Paipa School of Music, encompassing themes of remembrance and recognition, as emphasized by Belén Osorio Vásquez, Paipa’s secretary of culture and youth.
On the same day, the community will witness the installation of a sculpture crafted by artist Omar Santa María. This artwork will serve as a permanent memorial at the site where Jiménez’s final flight concluded. Officials have extended invitations to the families of Jiménez and the other victims, encouraging their participation in the weekend’s events.
The festival’s first day, Saturday, June 13, will embrace traditional activities, beginning with an open-water swimming championship at dawn. Participants can also enjoy environmental tours, bird-watching excursions, an ecological walk, and canoeing competitions. The day will conclude with the Verbena del Lago, a showcase featuring local talent.
As the tribute takes shape, inquiries into the aviation accident remain ongoing. A preliminary report from Colombia’s civil aviation authority indicated that the aircraft, identified as N325FA, experienced low-energy propeller impacts, suggesting mechanical failure during the tragic event. Investigators are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash, a task complicated by the absence of flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
Witnesses reported the distressing last moments of the twin-engine aircraft, which reportedly struggled to gain altitude as it veered off the runway before crashing into a nearby field. Jiménez, who was en route to a performance in Medellín, was just 34 years old at the time of his untimely death, along with the pilot and others accompanying him, including his manager and personal assistant.
This forthcoming tribute marks the most significant public acknowledgment of Jiménez’s impact since a funeral service held in Bogotá’s Movistar Arena on January 14, which drew over 14,000 fans who gathered to pay their respects. The emotional ceremony saw Jiménez’s daughter carried through the arena as renowned artists performed songs celebrating his musical legacy.
Jiménez’s musical journey was characterized by relatable themes, with hits like “Aventurero” and “Vete” resonating deeply with fans. His final Instagram post, shared just hours before the crash, has since become a poignant farewell. With heartfelt dedications and a community-focused tribute, the Festival del Lago aims not just to remember Jiménez but to celebrate the vibrancy he brought to Colombian music, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.