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The festivals in Colombia are a spectacular expression of the country’s multicultural soul, blending Indigenous heritage, African rhythms, and Spanish traditions. Whether it’s flower parades, spiritual pilgrimages, or world-famous carnivals, these famous Colombian festivals bring streets to life with dance, color, and music. From the Andes to the Caribbean coast, every celebration is a vibrant invitation to experience joy, resilience, and a deep connection to the land and people. These festivals in Colombia offer unforgettable memories for travelers seeking both culture and fun.
Top Festivals In Colombia That You Should Not Miss
These best festivals in Colombia that invite you into a whirlwind of tradition, rhythm, and cultural richness.
1. Carnaval De Barranquilla (Barranquilla Carnival)
Photo: Alex22ortega / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most famous festivals in Colombia, the Barranquilla Carnival is a dazzling spectacle of dance, music, and folklore. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, it’s second only to Rio’s in scale. Four days of parades, cumbia, vibrant floats, and elaborate costumes that reflect Colombia’s diverse roots. It’s pure joy, culture, and energy rolled into one wild celebration.
Location: Barranquilla
Celebrated In: February (four days before Ash Wednesday)
Nearby Attractions: Museo del Caribe, Bocas de Ceniza
Cuisines To Try: Arepas de huevo, butifarra, coconut rice
2. Feria De Las Flores (Flower Festival)
Photo: Yivan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Held in Medellín, this festival honors the local flower-growing tradition and the legacy of the “silleteros”—farmers who carry massive floral displays. The Feria de las Flores is filled with parades, concerts, horse fairs, and the iconic flower parade that turns the city into a blooming canvas. One of the most picturesque festivals in Colombia, it beautifully showcases nature, heritage, and innovation.
Location: Medellín
Celebrated In: Early August
Nearby Attractions: Botanical Garden, Comuna 13 street art
Cuisines To Try: Bandeja paisa, empanadas, mazamorra
3. Festival Vallenato
Photo: Mae Gregorio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This vibrant musical competition celebrates Colombia’s beloved vallenato genre, rooted in the country’s Caribbean coast. Accordionists, caja drummers, and guacharaca players from across the nation compete in intense, soulful performances. The festival honors vallenato legends like Jorge Celedón and Diomedes Díaz, keeping oral traditions and folk stories alive through music. Visitors can enjoy concerts, parades, and spontaneous jam sessions in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
Location: Valledupar
Celebrated In: Late April
Nearby Attractions: Alfonso López Square, Guatapurí River
Cuisines To Try: Sancocho, arequipe, mute
4. Holy Week In Popayán (Semana Santa)
Photo: National Police of Colombia / Wikimedia Commons
Popayán’s Holy Week is among the most sacred festivals in Colombia, celebrated with solemnity, reverence, and centuries of tradition. Known for its candlelit processions, sacred music, and intricately carved wooden floats, it beautifully blends Spanish Catholic heritage with local devotion. As one of the oldest religious celebrations in Latin America and a UNESCO-designated event, it invites reflection, community unity, and a deep connection to Colombia’s spiritual identity.
Location: Popayán
Celebrated In: March/April (Holy Week)
Nearby Attractions: Puente del Humilladero, Museo de Arte Religioso
Cuisines To Try: Empanadas de pipián, tamales payaneses, champús
5. Carnaval De Negros Y Blancos En Cali
Photo: Shreyashka Maharjan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While Pasto is the most famous location, Cali also throws an exciting version of the Black and White Carnival with Afro-Colombian and Indigenous influence. With colorful masks, drums, and spontaneous dance, the carnival in Cali blends resistance, identity, and unity. It’s gaining recognition as one of the more dynamic festivals in Colombia.
Location: Cali
Celebrated In: January
Nearby Attractions: Cristo Rey statue, Cali Zoo
Cuisines To Try: Lulada, marranitas, sancocho valluno
6. Petronio Álvarez Festival
Photo: Sol Robayo / Wikimedia Commons
This Afro-Colombian music festival in Cali honors the Pacific region’s heritage through marimba beats, currulao rhythms, and traditional instruments passed down through generations. It serves as a powerful celebration of African roots, resistance, and identity, drawing thousands of attendees each year. Alongside soul-stirring performances, the event offers traditional foods, vibrant costumes, craft markets, and educational panels. The Petronio Álvarez Festival is a joyful yet meaningful tribute to Colombia’s Black cultural legacy.
Location: Cali
Celebrated In: August
Nearby Attractions: San Antonio, Museo La Tertulia
Cuisines To Try: Encocado de camarón, arrechón, aborrajados
7. Festival De La Leyenda Llanera
Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Celebrating the Llanero (cowboy) culture of Colombia’s eastern plains, this folk festival is a vibrant tribute to life on the savannah. It features soul-stirring harp music, poetic storytelling, cattle herding demonstrations, and the fast-paced joropo dance that echoes the spirit of the Llanos. The Festival de la Leyenda Llanera brings together communities in a powerful display of pride, tradition, and resilience, offering visitors an authentic taste of rural Colombian heritage and hospitality.
Location: Villavicencio
Celebrated In: November
Nearby Attractions: Caño Cristales, Bioparque Los Ocarros
Cuisines To Try: Mamona (roast veal), hallacas, arepas llaneras
8. Green Moon Festival
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Held in the idyllic island of San Andrés, the Green Moon Festival is a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean identity, bringing together reggae, calypso, soca, dance, and storytelling. Rooted in the island’s Raizal culture, the festival promotes peace, unity, and cultural pride through music and art. Visitors can enjoy live performances by international and local artists, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and lively parades—all set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.
Location: San Andrés Island
Celebrated In: September
Nearby Attractions: Johnny Cay, Morgan’s Cave
Cuisines To Try: Rondón, crab soup, coconut bread
Festivals in Colombia reflect a nation rich in joy, tradition, and unity. From Barranquilla’s lively carnival to Valledupar’s soulful vallenato and Popayán’s serene Holy Week, each celebration unveils the country’s vibrant spirit. These festivals promise unforgettable experiences filled with music, dance, and color. Plan your trip with TripXL to dive into the authentic cultural journey, explore hidden gems, and celebrate life the Colombian way—bold, heartfelt, and full of unforgettable moments.
Cover Photo: Pablo Jiménez Pérez / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
