National Cumbia Festival

Home - EXPERIENCE - Carnival - National Cumbia Festival

Welcome to the town of El Banco; an epicenter of cumbia music on the shores of the Magdalena River.

Cumbia is the heartbeat of a continent, but its soul lives on the shores of the Magdalena River. From August 14 – 20, 2026, join Latin-GRAMMY® nominee Gregorio Uribe on a pilgrimage to El Banco—the very source of the rhythm. This isn’t just a festival; it’s an immersive journey into the legacy of José Barros.

Book your experience before May 31st to enjoy an exclusive 25% discount.

What to Expect

This tour is designed to solve the challenges of traveling to El Banco, allowing you to experience the festival’s magic with seamless, expert support.

Seamless Logistics to a Remote Destination

This festival is off the beaten path. Our Cumbia tour package includes all managed transfers (flights, ground, and/or river transport) to El Banco, Magdalena, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey which is paramount when traveling with family through Colombia.

Curated Festival Access

We secure your guided access to the main events, including the national dance competitions and the legendary “Cumbia” riverside celebrations.

Meet the Changemakers

We introduce you to the local musicians, the luthiers (instrument makers), and the dancers who are the keepers of the Cumbia tradition.

Purpose-Driven Travel

Your tour directly supports the local artists and community initiatives in El Banco, preserving the musical legacy of José Barros Palomino.

Enquiry about this experience

Tour Itinerary: Your Pilgrimage to the Cradle of Cumbia

This is where Colombian music itself flows into the mainstream. The Festival Nacional de la Cumbia in El Banco, Magdalena, is a moment of unparalleled authenticity, held on the banks of the majestic Magdalena River.

This Impulse tour isn’t just about watching a show—it’s about feeling the warmth and the soul of the music that defines a nation. Our local guides will interpret the stories behind the iconic polleras (skirts) and explain how Cumbia is a powerful fusion of Indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage, born right here from the river’s culture.

Day 1: Welcome to the Source & The Legend of La Piragua

Journey to the Origin: Upon landing in Mompox, we provide a private transfer to El Banco, the legendary “Old Port” and hometown of maestro José Barros.
Dance Workshop: Immediately upon arrival, you will learn to dance Cumbia in the unique Banqueño style, guided by local experts. Get your feet ready for the days ahead.
River Inauguration: As night falls, we head to the riverside stage to witness the festival’s most simbolic moment: the arrival of “La Piragua” (the canoe), officially launching the celebration.
Noche de Cumbión: We close the night by dancing in a traditional open-air Cumbia circle (Rueda de Cumbia) alongside the locals.

Day 2: Sonic Immersion & The Pocabuyano Parade

Millo & Drum Workshop: We dedicate the morning to understanding the soul of the music. You will learn the crafting process of the Millo flute and play your first basic rhythm on afro-colombian drums.
The Pocabuyano Parade: In the afternoon, the town explodes with color. You will enjoy prime views of the grand parade, featuring dozens of dance troupes filling the streets with Caribbean joy and tradition.
River Culture Night: Discover how the river has given birth to other rhythms beyond Cumbia. At night, enjoy performances of other ancestral rhythms like Tambora, Chandé, and the mythical Farotas dance.

Day 3: Living History, Semifinals & The Grand Finale

Context & Conversation: Start the day with a deep dive into the “Journeys of Cumbia,” understanding how this rhythm evolved from a local folk tradition to a Latin American phenomenon.
Local Connection: Enjoy free time to explore the “Macondian” town, taste river delicacies, and support local artisans and entrepreneurs at the cultural market.
The Competition: Feel the tension and excitement of the semifinals for the Parejas Bailadoras (Dance Couples) and the Unpublished Song contest.
Closing Concert: We bid farewell to the festival on a high note at the massive closing concert, featuring renowned artists showcasing the new currents and fusions of Cumbia.

Day 4: Return via the Magdalena

River Landscapes: We embark on our return journey toward Mompox, traveling through landscapes that evoke the very origins of the music.
Departure Connection: From Mompox, we will connect you with your return flight to Medellín, or you can choose to extend your adventure with our optional “Magic in Mompox” extension.