Colombia is a country recognized for its cultural, geographical and ethnic diversity, and its festivals are a vibrant sample of this wealth
News Colombia.
From the Andes mountains to the Caribbean beaches, the festivals in Colombia are a music test, dances, indigenous, Afro -Colombian and mestizo traditions, which reflect the identity of the country.
Also read:
These festivals are the most representative and with greater cultural legacy in Colombia.
Barranquilla Carnival
When: February
Where: Barranquilla, Atlantic
Access:
- Carnival assistance is free. However, some events such as the Battle of Vallenato or the Orchestras Festival have a cost per person.
- In addition, there are VIP boxes with better location and greater security to enjoy the parades, whose price varies according to the location and the event.
Barranquilla Carnival is an expression of the diversity of the people of Barranquilla and the Colombian Caribbean. Mix European, African and indigenous traditions, and every year thousands of tourists gather to enjoy the true Caribbean atmosphere.
For several days, more than 500 folk groups participate, filling the city of music, dance, color and parades.
This event is considered the largest and most popular carnival of the entire Caribbean region and was declared Masterpiece of oral and immaterial heritage of humanity for Unesco.
What will you find in the Barranquilla Carnival?
- Coronation night: Where the kings of the Carnival are crowned.
- Great parade of tradition: Traditional Colombian Caribbean dances.
- Battle of flowers: Parade with floats, folk groups and comparsas.
- Joselito Carnival’s burial: Theatrical works alluding to the death of Joselito, a man who died of alcoholism, a very fun tradition.
- Tribute to the Magdalena River: Artistic expressions related to the river, such as Cumbia, Porro, Gaita and Bullerengue.
- Reading marathons.
- Salsa night, vallenato and other popular genres of the region.
- Costume parade: With representative characters of the Carnival.
- Tasting of traditional dishes of the Caribbean coast: Sancocho, Arepas, Patacones, Carimañolas, etc.
Holy Week in Popayán
When: 1 week, between March and April
Where: Popayán, Cauca
Access: Entrance is free
Holy Week processions in Popayán were declared Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for UNESCO in 2009.
You can visit numerous colonial and cathedral churches of the city, which is like going back 500 years in time.
In addition to processions, you can listen to choirs and religious music in the churches. There is also a religious music festival.
What will you find in Holy Week in Popayán?
- Processions: Every day has its procession, such as that of our Lord Jesus Christ resurrected on Holy Saturday.
- Exhibitions in museums: Related to Holy Week and its history.
International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias
When: 6 days, end of March
Where: Cartagena, Bolívar
Access: Admission is free, but record is required
The International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias is the most important and old in Latin America (1960). Its objective is to promote Latin American and world cinema. Each edition projects about 150 films.
In this festival you will enjoy films, documentaries and short films of various genres and themes that compete for the India Catalina Awards in several categories.
The objective is simply that you interact with guests, who are artists of cinema, critics and directors. If you are a cinephile, you must go!
What will you find at the Cartagena International Film Festival?
- Documentary and Short Film projections of several genres.
- Encounters and discussions with directors, actors, producers and guest critics.
- Workshops and “Masterclasses” About script, address, production, photography, sound, edition and other aspects of cinema.
Ibero -American Theater Festival of Bogotá
When: 17 days, March
Where: Bogotá, Colombia
Access:
- Entrance to First 5 days It is done in closed rooms and apply different costs according to the function.
- However, during following 12 days From the festival, you will have free access to theatrical presentations in public places of the city such as parks, shopping centers, etc.
The Ibero -American Theater Festival was born under the idea, motivation and direction of Fanny Mikey, an Argentina in love with art that arrived in Colombia in 1985 chasing a love.
Vallenato Festival
When: 5 days, early April
Where: Valledupar, Cesar
Access: Assistance has a cost
The Vallenata Legend Festival is the most important vallenato event in the country, held annually since 1968.
Its objective is to preserve the vallenato, one of the most representative genres of Colombian folklore, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for UNESCO. This genre includes four rhythms:
Wayúu Culture Festival
When: End of May
Where: Uribia, La Guajira, Riohacha
Access: Entrance is free
The Wayúu Culture Festival is the most important ethnic festival in Colombia, highlighting the culture of the Wayúu community.
Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation since 2006, the event attracts more than 15 thousand wayúu and visitors to share traditions such as medicine, fabric, dance and music for three days.
A key moment is the contest where the golden majayut is chosen, which becomes Wayúu ambassador for its cultural knowledge and skills in Yonna dance. This festival is essential for those who want
International Tango Festival
When: 1 week, between June and July
Where: Medellín, Antioquia
Access: Admission is completely free
The Tango International Festival is an event that celebrates tango, a genre originating from Argentina and Uruguay but with a strong presence in Colombia, especially in Medellínwhere Carlos Gardel lived and died, one of his greatest exponents.
For approximately a week in June, the artist with dance and tango singing competitions with prizes and categories are paid tribute, in which around 66 national and international artists participate.
Joropo International Tournament
When: 6 days, mid -August
Where: Villavicencio, goal
Access: Completely free assistance
The International Tournament of Joropo In Villavicencio it is a great celebration that drives tourism and celebrates the llanera culture.
Imagine more than 5,000 dancers giving the best of itself in the joropódromo, wearing traditional costumes and dancing in a way that mimics the gallop of the horses, an impressive show that requires being fit
Petronio Álvarez Festival
When: 5 days, mid -August
Where: Cali, Valle del Cauca
Access: Completely free assistance
The Petronio Álvarez Festival is a cultural event that celebrates the music and traditions of the Colombian Pacific. It takes place every year in the Cali City In August for 5 days.
Here you will find approximately 1,500 artists and exhibitors performing musical genres such as Currulao, Chirimía, Bunde, among others.
This festival is a tribute to the composer Petronio Álvarez, considered the father of the current Pacific music.
Mono Núñez Andean Music Festival.
Do you want more Colombia festivals? Then you must program to go and know the The Colombian Andean Music Festival Mono Núñez It is the most important event dedicated to Traditional music from the Andean region of the country.
This festival is celebrated in Genevaa municipality of Valle del Caucaand this year it will be carried out from May 29 to June 1.
With information from Pelecanus, tourist operator specialized in travel through Colombia.
