Why We Love Colombia's Carnivals and Festivals
- Prepare to be swept away by a dazzling spectacle of sound and color. The irresistible rhythms of cumbia, salsa, and vallenato fill the air, while intricate costumes and lively parades captivate every sense.
- These celebrations are a window into the core identity of a community. By joining a festival, you connect directly with local people, traditions, and the stories passed down through generations.
- The shared joy and warm hospitality are palpable. It’s an unforgettable experience of collective happiness, where you are invited to dance, eat, and celebrate alongside locals.
- From intricate floral displays to dazzling carnival masks, these events offer some of the most dynamic and colorful photography subjects you will ever find.
What to do in Colombia's Main Festivals
- Colombia hosts some of the most famous festivals in South America, each with its own unique flavor. We can help you navigate the best of them:
- Barranquilla’s Carnival: Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this is the second-largest carnival in the world. It takes place typically in February or March.
- Medellín’s Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores): This festival is a testament to the region’s flower-growing traditions. It is famous because farmers carry enormous, intricate floral arrangements on their backs. This event is held every year in August.
- Pasto’s Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos): A unique festival that celebrates racial equality and diversity through a symbolic game where participants paint each other’s faces black and white. This exhilarating experience held from January 2nd to 7th.
- Cali’s Fair (Feria de Cali): Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali’s fair is a week-long celebration of music and dance, perfect for anyone looking to move their feet to the rhythm of salsa caleña. This vibrant event is held from December 25th to 30th.
Essential Information
Best Time to Go
Each festival has a specific date. Let us plan your trip around the festival so you can enjoy it to the fullest!
Bilingual guides
Our private bilingual guides are there to ensure you don’t miss a beat, helping you navigate every interaction and fully immerse yourself in the festival’s energy.
Getting Around
We offer private transportation for each festival so you can go and come at your own schedule.
Why We Love Colombia’s Carnivals and Festivals
Prepare to be swept away by a dazzling spectacle of sound and color. The irresistible rhythms of cumbia, salsa, and vallenato fill the air, while intricate costumes and lively parades captivate every sense.
These celebrations are a window into the core identity of a community. By joining a festival, you connect directly with local people, traditions, and the stories passed down through generations.
The shared joy and warm hospitality are palpable. It’s an unforgettable experience of collective happiness, where you are invited to dance, eat, and celebrate alongside locals.
From intricate floral displays to dazzling carnival masks, these events offer some of the most dynamic and colorful photography subjects you will ever find.
What to do in Colombia’s Main Festivals
Colombia hosts some of the most famous festivals in South America, each with its own unique flavor. We can help you navigate the best of them:
Barranquilla’s Carnival:
Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this is the second-largest carnival in the world.
It takes place typically in February or March.
Medellín’s Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores):
This festival is a testament to the region’s flower-growing traditions. It is famous because farmers carry enormous, intricate floral arrangements on their backs.
This event is held every year in August.
Pasto’s Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos):
A unique festival that celebrates racial equality and diversity through a symbolic game where participants paint each other’s faces black and white.
This exhilarating experience held from January 2nd to 7th.
Cali’s Fair (Feria de Cali):
Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali’s fair is a week-long celebration of music and dance, perfect for anyone looking to move their feet to the rhythm of salsa caleña.
This vibrant event is held from December 25th to 30th.
Our Feature Experiences
In Impulse Travel we offer a curated selection of featured experiences that showcase the best of Colombia. Traveling with us provide you truly transformative journeys, crafted with local expertise and a commitment to responsible tourism.
Our Feature Experiences
Don’t leave your experience to chance. Our Colombia travel experts design curated trips that handle all the logistics, such as private transportation and ticket booking, so you can focus on celebrating!
Things to Consider When Going to a Festival in Colombia
Book Early
Festival accommodations and flights sell out months in advance. Secure your ticket booking and travel arrangements as early as possible.
Pack Light
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Most of the action takes place in the streets.
Safety
Many people go to festivals in Colombia, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and follow the instructions of our bilingual guides.