In three regions of Colombia, nearly 3,000 people joined in the festivities, participating in cultural performances, games, and art, all inspired by the cotton-top tamarin. While schoolchildren from all communities are the heart of this event, we were thrilled to have local farmers join in, reciting poems and verses celebrating the beauty of these animals in the forest. Professors from the University of Sucre added to the celebration with a lovely song featuring gaita music and lyrics emphasizing the importance of protecting cotton-tops and  their forest home. The children’s dances and the recycled costume contests showcased the amazing creativity of families and teachers alike.

But it the members of the community that really make this event so memorable.  We were excited to hear a song created by Jhoinner David Cabarcas. His cousin, Yeisson David Cabarcas, composed our very first vallenato song in 2012—keeping the musical tradition alive within the family! Speaking of families, we were delighted to welcome back Christian de Oro as our MC. Christian, who participated in our education programs in 2010, is now a professional broadcaster with his own news channel, "Tití-noticias," and can be heard on the radio in Cartagena.  The impact our programs have had on his life and career are evident each and every day!  We were also proud to announce new Titi Heroes, people who have truly embraced our message of not keeping cotton-top tamarins as pets. Thanks to the efforts of individuals like Mrs. Josefina from Las Piedras, who was recognized for her work in rescuing tamarins kept illegally as pets, more tamarins are being returned to the wild where they belong.

What makes this event so special is the commitment from communities, schools, and individuals to celebrate and protect cotton-top tamarins. Los Limites, where the very first Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin celebration was held, continues to organize an event that includes the crowning of the Cotton-top Tamarin Queen, the official ambassador for cotton-tops. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Sharith Otero Sarmiento as the 2024 Cotton-top Tamarin Queen. With her enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge about cotton-tops, she is perfectly positioned to be a youth leader in her community. The annual Copa de Tití, with Los Limites as this year’s winner, not only celebrated the game but also honored their bravery in fighting fires that threatened the forests where cotton-tops live. Even Colegio Británico in Barranquilla and zoos around the world joined in by creating their own ways to celebrate cotton-top tamarins.

This tiny, one-pound monkey unites thousands around the world, reminding us  that individual actions can make a big difference for the future of cotton-top tamarins in the wild. Let’s continue working together to ensure these amazing little monkeys remain free in their forest home.