Colombia is a country rich in culture and traditions, and its calendar is full of fairs and festivals that reflect the diversity and color of its people. Throughout the year, each region celebrates unique events that combine music, dance, gastronomy and ancestral rituals. Below, we present a tour of some of the most emblematic fairs and festivals in Colombia, month by month.
January
Black and White Carnival - Pasto
The Black and White Carnival, held in Pasto, Nariño, is one of the most important festivals in the country. Declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, this carnival takes place from January 2 to 7. During these days, the city is filled with color, music and joy. The parades, floats and troupes are the center of attention, while those attending are painted black and white as a sign of brotherhood and equality.
Manizales Fair
The Manizales Fair, held in the first week of January, is another notable event. Known for its bullfighting shows, antique car parades and the election of the International Coffee Queen, this fair attracts thousands of visitors each year. In addition, craft and gastronomic exhibitions and a wide range of concerts and cultural events are held.
February
Barranquilla Carnival
The Barranquilla Carnival is one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations in Colombia. For four days, the city is transformed into a scene of joy and creativity. This carnival, also recognized by UNESCO, includes parades such as the Battle of Flowers, the Great Parade and the Orchestra Festival. Music, dance and colorful troupes are the protagonists in this festival that pays tribute to Caribbean tradition and folklore.
Festival of Our Lady of Candelaria - Cartagena
On February 2, Cartagena celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria, patron saint of the city. The celebration includes a pilgrimage to Cerro de la Popa, where the sanctuary of the virgin is located. The faithful participate in masses, processions and religious activities, while the city offers cultural and gastronomic events for visitors.
March
Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI)
FICCI, one of the oldest film festivals in Latin America, is held in March and brings together filmmakers, actors and film lovers from around the world. For a week, Cartagena becomes the capital of cinema, with film screenings, workshops, conferences and meetings with prominent professionals from the film industry.
Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá
The Ibero-American Theater Festival of Bogotá, held every two years in March, is one of the most important theater events on the continent. For more than two weeks, the Colombian capital hosts theater companies from all over the world, offering a wide variety of shows, from classic works to avant-garde proposals.
April
Holy Week - Popayán and Mompox
Holy Week is a religious celebration of great importance in Colombia, especially in cities such as Popayán and Mompox. In Popayán, night processions are a tradition that dates back to the 16th century and have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Mompox, Holy Week is celebrated with processions, masses and theatrical performances that attract numerous visitors and faithful.
Vallenata Legend Fair - Valledupar
At the end of April, Valledupar becomes the epicenter of Vallenata music with the Vallenata Legend Fair. This event, which pays tribute to the great minstrels of vallenato, includes accordion, piquería and composer competitions. In addition, concerts, parades and cultural events are held that celebrate the region's rich musical tradition.
May
Festival of the Legend of Dorado - Guatavita
In May, the town of Guatavita revives the legendary El Dorado ceremony with the Legend of El Dorado Festival. This event includes theatrical performances, parades and cultural activities that remember the indigenous ritual of the Muisca culture. The legend of El Dorado, which tells of a chief covered in gold jumping into the lake, is recreated with great splendor, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Bambuco Festival - Neiva
The Bambuco Festival, held in June in Neiva, is a festival that celebrates the traditional music and dance of Huila. During the event, the National Bambuco Reign takes place, where participants compete in various cultural and artistic events. The troupes, floats and folklore parades are key elements of this celebration.
June
Medellín International Poetry Festival
Medellín becomes the world capital of poetry in June with the International Poetry Festival. This event brings together poets from various countries who participate in readings, workshops and literary meetings. The activities take place in squares, parks and cultural centers, promoting the love of poetry and literature in the community.
San Pedro Festival - El Espinal
The San Pedro Festival, celebrated in June and July in El Espinal, Tolima, is a traditional festival that pays tribute to San Pedro. During these dates, the city is filled with color and joy with parades, troupes and folklore events. The election of the Queen of San Pedro and Sanjuanero are highlights of this celebration.
July
Sea Festivals - Santa Marta
The Sea Festivals, held in Santa Marta in July, are an opportunity to enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea. This event includes nautical competitions, parades, concerts and sports activities. The election of the National Queen of the Sea is one of the most anticipated moments of these festivities, which highlight the beauty and charm of the Caribbean coast.
Summer Festival - Bogotá
The Bogotá Summer Festival, held in August, is a celebration that offers a wide range of recreational and sports activities. The city's parks are filled with concerts, sports competitions, workshops and cultural events that attract people of all ages. This festival is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the cultural offerings of the capital.
August
Flower Fair - Medellín
The Flower Fair, held in August in Medellín, is one of the most emblematic festivals in Colombia. For a week, the city is filled with color and aroma with the silleteros parades, where farmers carry enormous floral arrangements on their backs. In addition, the fair includes concerts, exhibitions, craft shows and sporting events that attract thousands of visitors.
Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival - Cali
The Petronio Álvarez Festival, held in Cali in August, is a party that exalts the music and culture of the Colombian Pacific. During this event, musical groups perform rhythms such as the currulao, the abozao and the marimba. In addition, the festival offers a gastronomic and craft exhibition that allows visitors to learn about and enjoy the cultural wealth of this region.
September
Jazz Festival - Mompox
The Mompox Jazz Festival, held in September, is an event that combines jazz music with the history and charm of this colonial city. During the festival, open-air concerts are presented in squares and cobbled streets, creating a magical and welcoming atmosphere. This event attracts musicians and jazz lovers from all over the country and abroad.
San Pacho Festival - Quibdó
The San Pacho Festivals, celebrated in Quibdó in September and October, are a manifestation of Afro-Colombian culture. This event, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, includes processions, parades, dances and traditional music. The festivities pay tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi and stand out for their color and joy.
October
National Beer Festival - Medellín
The National Beer Festival, held in Medellín in October, is a party that brings together craft beer lovers. During the event, various brands and types of beer are presented, and tastings, workshops and competitions are held. This festival is an excellent opportunity to enjoy good music, gastronomy and the best craft beer in the country.
Festivities of Saint Francis of Assisi - Sincelejo
The San Francisco de Asís Festival, held in Sincelejo in October, is a religious and cultural event in honor of the city's patron saint. During these dates, processions, masses and cultural events are held that reflect the devotion and fervor of the inhabitants. In addition, the festival includes parades, concerts and recreational activities for the whole family.
November
International Puppet Festival - Bogotá
The International Puppet Festival, held in Bogotá in November, is an event that brings together puppet theater companies from around the world. During the festival, shows for children and adults, workshops and conferences highlighting the art of puppetry are presented. This event is an opportunity to enjoy as a family and discover the magic of puppet theater.
Festivals of the Sweet Name of Jesus - Valledupar
The Fiestas del Dulce Nombre de Jesús, celebrated in Valledupar in November, are a religious and cultural manifestation in honor of the city's patron saint. During these dates, processions, masses and cultural events are held that reflect the devotion and fervor of the inhabitants. In addition, the festival includes parades, concerts and recreational activities for the whole family.
December
Cali Fair
The Cali Fair, held from December 25 to 30, is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. Known as the “Sultana of the Valley”, Cali is filled with salsa, rumba and joy during this fair. Events include parades such as the Salsódromo, Calle de la Feria and the Cabalgata, as well as concerts, gastronomic exhibitions and sports competitions.
Festival of Lights - Villa de Leyva
The Festival of Lights, celebrated in December in Villa de Leyva, is a tradition that illuminates this colonial city with thousands of lights and fireworks. During the festival, the cobbled streets and squares are filled with lights, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. This event includes lighting contests, concerts and cultural activities that attract tourists from all over the country.
The calendar of fairs and popular festivals in Colombia is a reflection of the cultural wealth and diversity of the country. Each event, with its particularities and traditions, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy, color and cultural heritage of the different regions. From the most vibrant carnivals to the most solemn religious festivities, Colombia celebrates its identity with passion and enthusiasm throughout the year.