Major Events & Festivals in Cartagena, Colombia
1. Caribbean Carnival (Carnaval del Caribe)
Annual festival celebrating Caribbean culture, music, and dance with colorful parades, costumes, and food.
- Authentic Experience: Immerse in vibrant Caribbean traditions.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about the diverse cultures of the Caribbean.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience energy and excitement in Cartagena's streets.
2. Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias
International literature festival featuring renowned authors, debates, and cultural events.
- Literary Gathering: Network with writers from around the world.
- Intellectual Stimulation: Attend thought-provoking discussions and debates.
- Cultural Enrichment: Explore diverse perspectives on literature and the world.
3. Festival de la Salsa y el Mundo Abierto
Annual salsa music festival showcasing local and international artists, dance competitions, and workshops.
- Dance Passion: Learn to dance salsa from professional instructors.
- Cultural Pride: Experience the rich tradition of Colombian salsa music and dance.
- Artistic Diversity: Discover various styles of salsa from around the world.
4. Festival de Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kite Festival)
Annual event where large kites are flown in the skies, each representing a different story or symbol.
- Aerial Spectacle: Witness the beauty of these colossal kites.
- Local Tradition: Participate in a cherished Cartagenan tradition.
- Creative Expression: See the artistic talent behind each kite's design.
5. Festival de los Máscaras (Mask Festival)
Annual festival featuring colorful masks and dances that tell the story of Cartagena's history.
- Historical Narrative: Learn about the rich history of Cartagena through these performances.
- Visual Aesthetics: Feast your eyes on the vibrant and intricate mask designs.
- Cultural Preservation: Experience the preservation of traditional culture in Cartagena.
6. Festival de las Velas de Santa Luzia
Annual festival where thousands of candles are lit on the sea in honor of Saint Lucy.
- Religious Tradition: Join a local tradition honoring a patron saint.
- Romantic Atmosphere: Witness the enchanting sight of candles on the water.
- Community Bonding: Participate in this bonding experience with locals.
7. Fiestas Navideñas (Christmas Festivals)
Series of Christmas celebrations featuring music, food, and cultural events in December.
- Holiday Spirit: Experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season.
- Cultural Customs: Discover unique Colombian Christmas traditions.
- Community Celebration: Join locals in celebrating the holiday season together.
8. Festival de San Pedro y San Pablo
Annual festival celebrating Saint Peter and Saint Paul with music, food, and religious activities.
- Religious Observance: Join locals in honoring these important saints.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Cartagena.
- Community Gathering: Participate in this shared celebration with locals.
9. Festival de la Marimba y el Mundo Abierto
Annual music festival focusing on the traditional Colombian marimba and various genres of music.
- Cultural Pride: Experience the rich tradition of Colombian marimba music.
- Artistic Diversity: Discover various styles of music from around the world.
- Rhythmic Enjoyment: Enjoy the lively and infectious rhythms of the marimba.
10. Festival Internacional de Música Tango
International tango music festival featuring concerts, dance classes, and exhibitions.
- Dance Passion: Learn to dance tango from professional instructors.
- Cultural Exchange: Connect with tango enthusiasts from around the world.
- Artistic Expression: Appreciate the beauty and passion of the tango.
11. Festival Internacional de la Magia (International Magic Festival)
Annual festival showcasing magic performances, workshops, and competitions.
- Mystery Enthusiasts: Discover the secrets behind magical illusions.
- Skill Development: Learn magic tricks from professional magicians.
- Visual Magic: Be amazed by captivating magic performances.
12. Festival de las Flores (Flower Festival)
Annual festival celebrating the beauty of flowers and Cartagena's rich agricultural heritage.
- Natural Wonders: Admire the stunning array of flowers on display.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about Cartagena's agricultural traditions and practices.
- Community Celebration: Join locals in celebrating their cultural heritage.
13. Festival Internacional de Cine y Artes Visuales (International Film and Visual Arts Festival)
Annual film festival featuring screenings of local and international films, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Artistic Appreciation: Appreciate the creative works of filmmakers from around the world.
- Skill Development: Learn about filmmaking and visual arts through workshops.
- Cultural Exchange: Connect with artists and film enthusiasts from various countries.
14. Festival Internacional de Arte y Cultura Afrocolombiano (International Festival of Afro-Colombian Art and Culture)
Annual festival celebrating the rich Afro-Colombian culture through music, dance, art, and food.
- Cultural Pride: Experience the vibrant traditions of Colombia's Afro-descendants.
- Artistic Diversity: Discover unique artistic expressions of Afro-Colombian culture.
- Community Connection: Join locals in celebrating their heritage and traditions.
15. Festival de la Luz (Light Festival)
Annual festival featuring light installations, music, and cultural events illuminating Cartagena's historic district.
- Visual Spectacle: Witness the stunning beauty of Cartagena lit up at night.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Cartagena's rich history and culture in a new light.
- Community Bonding: Join locals in celebrating their city under the glow of the lights.