Colombia, known for its cultural diversity, traditions and folklore, is home to a wide variety of patron saint festivals that celebrate the patron saints of different regions of the country. These festivities not only reflect the spiritual and cultural richness of the communities, but are also an opportunity to enjoy music, dance, gastronomy and the religious fervor that characterizes each locality.
Below is a calendar of the main patron saint festivals that will be celebrated in Colombia in 2025, highlighting the regions, dates and traditions that are most representative of each festivity.
January
Feast of the Three Wise Men - Valledupar, Cesar
Date: January 6th
Description: This festival combines religious traditions with cultural events. There are processions, theatrical performances of the adoration of the Three Wise Men and vallenato concerts, a typical musical genre of the region.
Manizales Fair - Manizales, Caldas
Date: January 3-9
Description: Although it is not a traditional patronal festival, the Manizales Fair includes religious celebrations in honor of Christ of Mercy. It also features bullfights, parades and artistic displays.
February
Festival of Saint Blaise - Morroa, Sucre
Date: February 2-4
Description: In honor of San Blas, patron saint of throat health, processions, solemn masses and craft fairs are held where visitors can enjoy the typical fabrics of the region.
March
Holy Week - Popayan, Cauca
Date: March 13-20
Description: Popayán is famous for its Holy Week processions, considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Celebrations include solemn parades, representations of the Passion of Christ and cultural activities.
April
Saint George's Day - Ayapel, Cordoba
Date: April 23
Description: St. George is the patron saint of this region, and his day is celebrated with processions, sporting events and food fairs that highlight local cuisine.
May
Festival of the Holy Cross - Barranquilla, Atlantico
Date: May 3
Description: This festival combines Catholic and Afro-Colombian traditions. Masses, traditional dances and the famous "Blessing of the Cross" are held.
Festival of Saint Isidro the Farmer - Chia, Cundinamarca
Date: May 15-17
Description: In honor of the patron saint of farmers, processions, crop blessings and cultural activities are organized.
June
Feast of Saint John the Baptist - Neiva, Huila
Date: June 24
Description: Part of the famous Bambuco Festival, this celebration includes religious events, parades and performances of typical Huila dances.
July
Festival of the Virgin of Carmen - Various locations
Date: July 16
Description: The Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint of drivers and transporters in Colombia. In cities such as Medellín, Cartagena and Bogotá, processions of decorated vehicles, masses and cultural festivals are held.
August
Festival of Saint Roque - Girón, Santander
Date: August 16
Description: In honor of San Roque, patron saint of the sick, solemn masses, processions and traditional fairs with crafts and typical food are celebrated.
September
Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi - Quibdó, Chocó
Date: From September 20th to October 4th
Description: Also known as "Las Fiestas de San Pacho", this celebration mixes religious and Afro-Colombian traditions with parades, music, dances and cultural events.
October
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary - Medellin, Antioquia
Date: October 7
Description: The Virgin of the Rosary is venerated with processions, masses and cultural activities in various neighborhoods of Medellín.
November
All Saints' Day - San Andres Islands
Date: November 1st
Description: In San Andrés, this festival includes religious ceremonies, Caribbean dances and typical foods that reflect the cultural diversity of the island.
Cali Fair - Cali, Valle del Cauca
Date: November 25-30
Description: Although it is not a patronal festival, the Cali Fair has a religious component in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. It also includes salsa events, parades and live music.
December
Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception - Cartagena, Bolívar
Date: December 8th
Description: In Cartagena, this celebration includes maritime processions, solemn masses and cultural activities in honor of the Virgin.
New Year's Eve Festival - Chocontá, Cundinamarca
Date: December 31st
Description: To bid farewell to the year, religious events are held, burning of the old year and popular celebrations with music and traditional food.
These festivities not only reflect Colombia's cultural and religious diversity, but are also an opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with the traditions and spirituality of each region. If you're planning to travel through Colombia in 2025, make sure to include one of these festivities in your itinerary for a unique and unforgettable experience.