
Major Events & Festivals in Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
1. Carnaval de Santa Marta
A week-long festival celebrating the city's Afro-Colombian heritage with music, dance, and colorful parades.
- Authentic Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Colombia's rich cultural traditions.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience the energy and excitement of a lively carnival.
- Costume Parades: Witness intricate costumes and lively performances.
2. Festival de Barranquilla
The largest carnival in Colombia, known for its grand parades, music, and traditional dances.
- Unique Performances: Witness the spectacular 'Diablitos' and 'Gigantones' performances.
- Rich Tradition: Celebrate Colombian heritage in a massive, joyous gathering.
- Lively Atmosphere: Experience the exuberant energy of this world-renowned festival.
3. Festival de la Velada de San Pedro y San Pablo
A unique festival where families build and light bonfires on the beach in honor of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
- Cultural Tradition: Participate in a long-standing coastal tradition.
- Beach Setting: Enjoy the beautiful beach setting while celebrating this event.
- Community Gathering: Experience unity and camaraderie among locals and visitors.
4. Festival del Mar y la Sardina
A sardine-based food festival celebrating the city's connection to the sea.
- Seafood Delights: Indulge in delicious sardine dishes and other fresh seafood.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Sustainability Education: Learn about the importance of marine conservation in Santa Marta.
5. Festival de la Paloma
A festival dedicated to the dove, symbolizing peace and unity, featuring music, dance, and cultural events.
- Symbolic Significance: Understand the cultural importance of doves in Colombia.
- Music and Dance: Experience lively performances from local artists.
- Community Unity: Witness the power of music and dance to bring people together.
6. Festival del Rio Magdalena
A river festival celebrating Colombia's longest and most important waterway, featuring music, dance, and cultural events.
- Cultural Tradition: Learn about the importance of the Magdalena River to Colombian culture.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Magdalena River and its surroundings.
- Local Cuisine: Indulge in delicious dishes inspired by the river's rich biodiversity.
7. Festival de la Leyenda Negra
A festival celebrating the legend of Blackbeard, a pirate who supposedly lived in Santa Marta.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the local history and legends surrounding Blackbeard.
- Pirate-themed Fun: Experience pirate-themed events, costumes, and performances.
- Community Spirit: Join in the celebration of Santa Marta's unique heritage.
8. Festival de la Palma
A festival dedicated to the oil palm tree, a symbol of prosperity and progress in Santa Marta.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the economic importance of the oil palm industry in Santa Marta.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Local Cuisine: Indulge in dishes made from the oil palm fruit.
9. Festival del Sol y la Luna
A festival celebrating the sun and moon, featuring music, dance, and cultural events.
- Spiritual Significance: Understand the importance of the sun and moon in Colombian spirituality.
- Music and Dance: Experience lively performances from local artists.
- Community Spirit: Join in the celebration of Santa Marta's unique heritage.
10. Festival de la Macana
A festival celebrating the macana, a traditional Colombian weapon made from a palm leaf.
- Cultural Tradition: Learn about the history and use of the macana in Colombia.
- Martial Arts Demonstrations: Watch skilled performers demonstrate traditional martial arts moves.
- Community Spirit: Join in the celebration of Colombian cultural heritage.
11. Festival del Aguacate
A festival dedicated to avocados, featuring avocado-based dishes, music, and cultural events.
- Local Cuisine: Indulge in delicious dishes made with fresh avocados.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Sustainability Education: Learn about the importance of sustainable avocado farming in Santa Marta.
12. Festival de la Marimba
A festival dedicated to the marimba, a traditional Colombian instrument, featuring music, dance, and cultural events.
- Musical Appreciation: Experience the unique sound of the marimba.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Community Spirit: Join in the celebration of Colombian musical heritage.
13. Festival del Café
A festival celebrating coffee, featuring coffee-based drinks, music, and cultural events.
- Coffee Appreciation: Indulge in delicious Colombian coffee.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Sustainability Education: Learn about the importance of sustainable coffee farming in Santa Marta.
14. Festival del Cacao
A festival dedicated to cocoa, featuring chocolate-based dishes, music, and cultural events.
- Chocolate Delights: Indulge in delicious chocolate-based dishes.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Sustainability Education: Learn about the importance of sustainable cocoa farming in Santa Marta.
15. Festival del Mango
A festival dedicated to mangoes, featuring mango-based dishes, music, and cultural events.
- Tropical Delights: Indulge in delicious mango-based dishes.
- Cultural Activities: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Sustainability Education: Learn about the importance of sustainable mango farming in Santa Marta.