Colombia is a country rich in cultural and natural diversity, which is reflected in its varied gastronomy. Each region of the country offers a unique mix of flavors, ingredients and culinary traditions. Food festivals are events that celebrate this richness, bringing together locals and tourists to enjoy food, music and traditions.
January
Sweet Festival in Valledupar
Date: January 12 - 14
Location: Valledupar, Cesar
This festival celebrates the sweet tradition in the Caribbean region of Colombia. You can taste a variety of typical sweets such as dulce de leche, cocadas and alegrías. In addition, there are sweet-making contests and workshops on traditional making techniques.
February
Egg Arepa Festival in Luruaco
Date: February 17 - 19
Place: Luruaco, Atlántico
This festival pays tribute to one of the most emblematic delicacies of the Caribbean coast, the egg arepa. Attendees can enjoy freshly made arepas, participate in arepa-eating contests, and learn about the history and preparation of this traditional dish.
March
Coffee Festival in Manizales
Date: March 2 - 5
Location: Manizales, Caldas
Manizales, in the heart of Colombia's coffee region, celebrates its Coffee Festival with tastings of different types of coffee, visits to coffee farms, and workshops on coffee culture. It is a great opportunity for coffee lovers to learn about and enjoy this iconic drink.
April
Empanada Festival in Sabaneta
Date: April 5 - 7
Place: Sabaneta, Antioquia
Empanadas are an essential part of Colombian cuisine, and this festival in Sabaneta celebrates this delicious food with a variety of empanadas, from traditional to more innovative. There are also children's activities and live music.
May
Tamale Festival in Ibagué
Date: May 23 - 26
Location: Ibagué, Tolima
The tamale is a specialty of the Tolima region, and this festival in Ibagué is an opportunity to taste tamales of different styles and flavors. In addition, there are tamales preparation contests and cultural activities that highlight the importance of this dish in Colombian gastronomy.
June
Fish Festival in Honda
Date: June 7 - 9
Location: Honda, Tolima
Honda, a city known for its rich history and location on the banks of the Magdalena River, celebrates its Fish Festival with dishes made with fresh fish from the region. The event includes cooking demonstrations, fishing contests and recreational activities along the river.
July
Sancocho Festival in Villavicencio
Date: July 13 - 15
Location: Villavicencio, Meta
Sancocho is one of the most representative dishes of Colombia, and in Villavicencio its festival is celebrated with a wide variety of sancochos, from the traditional chicken sancocho to versions with meat and fish. Attendees can also enjoy llanera music and typical dances.
August
Piglet Festival in Espinal
Date: August 3 - 5
Location: Espinal, Tolima
Lechona is a typical dish of the Tolimense region, and the Lechona Festival in Espinal is a celebration of this delicious stuffed pork preparation. The event includes tastings, suckling pig preparation contests and cultural activities for the whole family.
September
Chicharrón Festival in Medellín
Date: September 6 - 8
Location: Medellín, Antioquia
Chicharrón is one of the most beloved delicacies of Antioquia cuisine, and its festival is celebrated in Medellín with a variety of dishes that highlight this ingredient. In addition to tastings, there are culinary competitions and traditional music and dance performances.
October
Potato Festival in Villapinzón
Date: October 11 - 13
Location: Villapinzón, Cundinamarca
The potato is a fundamental ingredient in Colombian cuisine, and the Potato Festival in Villapinzón celebrates its importance with dishes ranging from the traditional Creole potato to more innovative preparations. The event includes cooking workshops, agricultural fairs and activities for the whole family.
November
Ajiaco Festival in Bogotá
Date: November 15 - 17
Location: Bogotá, Cundinamarca
Ajiaco is one of the most representative dishes of Bogota cuisine, and this festival is a celebration of this traditional soup. Attendees can enjoy different versions of ajiaco, participate in cooking workshops, and learn about the history and traditions associated with this dish.
December
Custard and Buñuelos Festival in Medellín
Date: December 20 - 22
Location: Medellín, Antioquia
Custard and buñuelos are two of the most traditional Christmas desserts in Colombia, and Medellín celebrates their festival with a variety of preparations. In addition to tastings, there are preparation contests and cultural activities that highlight the importance of these Christmas traditions.
Gastronomic festivals in Colombia are a unique opportunity to learn about and enjoy the rich culinary diversity of the country. Each festival offers a different experience, based on the traditions and flavors of each region. Whether you're interested in sweets, tamales, coffee, or any other dish, there's a festival for you on the 2024 calendar. Plan your trip and get ready to enjoy the best of Colombian cuisine.