If your travel dates coincide with one of these holidays, or if you’re planning a trip to attend a particular event, don’t hesitate to ask us for advice. Hotels fill up very quickly during these celebrations, so remember to book well in advance.
January
Carnaval de Manizales beginning of the bullfighting season – Coffee region The Manizales Fair is famous nationally and internationally for its Bullfighting Season, considered the origin (…) of the bullfighting tradition in Colombia and America, and which brings together the best bullfighters from Colombia, South America and the Iberian Peninsula.
Carnaval Blancos y Negros – Pasto (Nariño) The Carnaval of Blacks and Whites, declared a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2002, is celebrated every year between January 4 and 6 in Pasto, an Andean town in south-west Colombia.Hay Festival – Cartagena de Indias Every January, the beautiful walled city becomes a luxurious stage for the most important representatives of literature, cinema, journalism, music and art. Find out more here.
February
Carnival – Barranquilla (Atlantic) The Barranquilla Carnival, declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is the most eagerly awaited date of the year, not only by Colombians but also by all those who want to party during the four days of this cultural and folkloric event, full of ethnic diversity, joy, dance, music and entertainment. Find out more here.
March
International Film Festival – Cartagena de Indias The annual Cartagena International Film Festival is the region’s only festival specializing in Ibero-American cinema, with the participation of a high-level international jury presenting the best audiovisual productions from Latin America and promoting Cartagena as an international tourist destination. Find out more:Holy WeekMany cities are famous for their religious processions. The best-known Holy Week celebrations are in Popayán, Mompox, Pamplona and Sabanalarga.Ibero-American Theater Festival – (every two years) – Bogotá The Ibero-American Theater Festival in Bogotá is Colombia’s most important cultural event and one of the world’s biggest festivals for the performing arts. Held every two years in the Colombian capital, it brings together the world’s leading theater companies from all five continents.
April
Festival Vallenato – Valledupar It usually takes place between April 26 and 30 in Valledupar, the capital of the department of César. During these days, the town becomes a great popular festival, full of parades, shows, competitions and good music.
June
Yipao Contest – Calarca (Coffee Region) Every June, the inhabitants of the small but picturesque village of Calarca, located in Colombia’s Quindio region (Coffee Zone), decorate the streets, houses and balconies with elements of their culture. In this way, they prepare for celebrations full of gaiety, applause and music, culminating in the Yipao Parade and Competition.
July
Colombiamoda – Medellin (Antioquia) Colombiamoda takes place in the city of Medellin, with the participation of major companies, international guests and the best Colombian talent. It’s an event with great rallying power, and a great place to negotiate business with European and South American companies.
August
The Flower Fair lasts around 10 days and takes place every year during the first weeks of August. This event features more than 140 cultural events, both traditional and modern, including: the National Horse Fair, the Festival of Orchestras, the National Trova Festival [verses to be improvised on a given subject], a parade of classic and vintage cars, a dog parade, musical and cultural presentations, the Festival of Remembrance and Popular Song, the Women’s Talent Contest, a caravan of chivas [buses typical of tropical climates, with no glass in the windows], the National Music on Wheels Contest, among others. Find out more.Festival of Wayuu Culture – Uribia, Department of La Guajira Every year, on a weekend between May and June, the main cultural event of the Department of La Guajira, known as the Festival of Wayúu Culture, takes place in the municipality of Uribia in northern Colombia. It takes place in the municipality of Uribia, the largest indigenous Wayúu village in Colombia.
September
Jazz Festival – Bogota September is more than just the Month of Love and Friendship. In Bogotá, it’s also the Month of Jazz, because at this time of year, the Colombian capital is filled with romantic melodies coming out of saxophones, pianos and trumpets in the New Orleans style.
October
Cartagena Independence – Cartagena de Indias On November 11, the city of Cartagena commemorates its independence, as the first province to break free from the Spanish Crown on November 11, 1811. This event is celebrated throughout the country, as it had a major influence on Colombia’s independence.
December
Cali Fair – Cali The Cali Fair is famous for its horseback riding, its bull-racing season, the best salsa bands, concerts with large crowds, dancing and delicious gastronomy.Festival of Lights – Villa de Leyva In Colombia, the night of December 7 to 9 is a unique moment in the year. It’s the night when all the city streets are filled with lights on sidewalks, balconies and terraces. It’s the traditional Night of Candles.
