Costa Rican singer-songwriter Humberto Vargas this week was awarded the top prize at the 47th edition of the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile.
Vargas, the first Costa Rican to win the Gaviota de Plata prize, triumphed with a live performance Monday night of the song “Dilo Una Vez,” which he wrote and which was arranged by Wálter Flores, also from Costa Rica. Along with the award, Vargas will bring home $30,000 for his winning performance.
The winner of the six-day festival, one of the most important festivals of its kind in Latin America, is chosen based on the applause of the infamously fickle audience, dubbed “The Monster,” the daily La Nación reported.
Vargas lives in San Rafael de Heredia, north of San José, with his wife and two children.
