June 27, 2022
Carnival Time | Colombia's Best Festivals
We've got the low down on the best carnivals and festivities throughout the year to make your Colombia travel plans that extra bit special.
Whether it's the magic of a Caribbean carnival or the beauty of a flower festival that you're seeking, Colombia's event calendar has got a little bit of everything. Soak up the atmosphere and dance the night away at Barranquilla's infamous carnival (who needs Rio?!) or saunter down Cali's streets and experience the food, music and lively parades of The Cali Fair.
Take a look at our favourite Colombian festivities below.
Barranquilla Carnival
It's known for a reason. As the second largest carnival in the world (second only to Rio) the Barranquilla Carnival is Colombia's finest street celebration which takes place every February. Filled with an abundance of colour, costumes, music, dancing and more, which ignite the city for a four day long party, the Barranquilla Carnival is the must-see event of the Colombian calendar.
The Flowers Festival
Taking place in Medellin every August, this spectacular 10 day show of flowers and flower artwork is a spectacle that must be seen in the flesh. Alongside the floral masterpieces, there are also a host of concerts, shows and parades to look forward to - a joyful way to celebrate flower cultivation and other traditions from across the country.
The Cali Fair
A fabulous celebration taking place at the end of every year from 25th-30th December. The Cali Fair, held in Santiago de Cali, centres around music and dancing and has previously seen performances by Latin superstars such as Marc Anthony and Don Omar.
The Manizales Fair
This week long festival held in January is the sequel to The Cali Fair. Displaying a mixture of both Spanish and Colombian traditions, including bullfighting and coffee pageants, the Manizales Fair takes inspiration from the April Fair in Seville, Spain. Another multi-day celebration of incredible concerts, parades and exhibitions.
World Salsa Festival
Based in Cali, the World Salsa Festival is a salsa lover's dream. Eight days in what is known as the world capital of salsa music, with access to shows, workshops, talks and lessons from some of the most influential names in the industry. Thousands of musicians, artists and dancers gather for this show stopping festivity every August in Cali.
Petronio Alvarez Festival
The most important festival of afro culture in Latin America. Six days of music, food, drink and celebration hosting around 60,000 people each year in Santiago de Cali. Expect an exploration of tradition and culture from the afro-Latin community with everything from art and fashion to music and dance - this really is one for the bucket list.
Semana Santa
If partying all night long isn't your thing, you may prefer a calmer celebration in the form of Semana Santa's Easter celebrations. Every Easter, in the city of Popayan, processions take place with wooden carvings representing the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. There are also a number of other religious events which take place across the city and country including a wonderful festival of holy music.
Above images not owned by The Colombia Collective.