
Major Events & Festivals in Pasto, Nariño, Colombia
1. Carnaval de Pasto
A week-long celebration featuring colorful parades, traditional music, and dance in February.
- Authentic Colombian Culture: Experience the rich heritage of Pasto and Colombia through music, dance, and costumes.
- Unique Floats: See the intricate and vibrant floats that represent different aspects of Pasto's history and culture.
- Community Involvement: Join locals in the festivities, making new friends and gaining a deeper understanding of the community.
2. Festival del Correo Aéreo
A traditional festival in December where mail is delivered by horseback and plane.
- Rural Colombia Experience: Get a taste of life in rural Colombia as mail is delivered in a unique way.
- Horseback Riding: Participate in horseback riding activities and learn about the region's equestrian traditions.
- Aviation Exhibition: Watch air shows, meet pilots, and even take a flight for an unforgettable view of Pasto and its surroundings.
3. Festival del Joropo
A music festival celebrating the traditional Joropo dance in October.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Experience the lively and rhythmic Joropo music and dance, a symbol of Pasto's culture.
- Local Talent Showcase: Discover upcoming musicians and dancers as they perform during the festival.
- Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn about Joropo music, dance, and its history.
4. Fiesta de la Candelaria
A religious festival held annually in February, featuring processions, food, and traditional dances.
- Religious Significance: Learn about the importance of this festival to Pasto's Catholic community.
- Regional Cuisine: Taste traditional dishes like 'bandeja paisa' and 'arepas' during the festivities.
- Community Spirit: Join in the lively atmosphere and experience the warm hospitality of Pasto's people.
5. Festival del Solsticio de Verano
A summer solstice celebration in December featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Events: Experience a variety of cultural events showcasing Pasto's rich heritage.
- Community Gathering: Join locals in celebrating the summer solstice and making new connections.
- Traditional Foods: Sample traditional dishes like 'sancocho' and 'chucho frito' during the festival.
6. Festival de la Virgen de las Mercedes
A religious festival in September dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy, featuring processions and traditional music.
- Religious Devotion: Witness the deep devotion of Pasto's Catholic community during this festival.
- Local Music and Dance: Experience traditional music and dance performances throughout the festival.
- Community Bonding: Connect with locals and other visitors during this spiritual gathering.
7. Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista
Celebrations in honor of St. John the Baptist in June, featuring religious processions and traditional music.
- Religious Significance: Participate in this important religious event for Pasto's Catholic community.
- Local Music and Dance: Enjoy performances of traditional music and dance during the festival.
- Community Unity: Connect with locals and other visitors as you celebrate St. John the Baptist.
8. Festival de la Candelaria en La Plata
A smaller version of the Fiesta de la Candelaria held in the town of La Plata, featuring traditional music and food.
- Authentic Local Experience: Get a taste of Pasto's rural traditions in the charming town of La Plata.
- Cultural Events: Experience traditional music and dance performances during the festival.
- Regional Cuisine: Taste regional dishes like 'sancocho' and 'arepas' during the festivities.
9. Feria del Café
A coffee fair in October showcasing the region's coffee production and tasting opportunities.
- Coffee Lovers' Paradise: Indulge your love for coffee as you learn about and taste different varieties.
- Local Producers: Meet local coffee farmers and learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee.
- Tasting Opportunities: Sample a variety of coffees and find your new favorite brew.
10. Festival del Joropo de Los Santos
A joropo music festival in the town of San Antonio de Los Santos, showcasing local talent and traditions.
- Authentic Local Experience: Get a taste of Pasto's rural traditions in the charming town of San Antonio de Los Santos.
- Local Talent Showcase: Discover upcoming musicians and dancers as they perform during the festival.
- Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn about Joropo music, dance, and its history.
11. Festival de la Cultura Negra
A festival celebrating the Afro-Colombian culture in Pasto, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Cultural Understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of the Afro-Colombian community in Pasto.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Experience traditional music and dance performances during the festival.
- Community Bonding: Connect with locals and other visitors as you celebrate Afro-Colombian culture.
12. Festival del Mango de Pasto
A mango festival in July showcasing the region's best mangoes and related products.
- Mango Lovers' Paradise: Indulge your love for mangoes as you learn about and taste different varieties.
- Local Producers: Meet local mango farmers and learn about the process of growing and harvesting mangoes.
- Mango-themed Products: Sample a variety of mango-based foods and products during the festival.
13. Festival del Queso de Pasto
A cheese festival in August showcasing the region's best cheeses and related products.
- Cheese Lovers' Paradise: Indulge your love for cheese as you learn about and taste different varieties.
- Local Producers: Meet local cheese makers and learn about the process of making cheese in Pasto.
- Cheese-themed Products: Sample a variety of cheese-based foods and products during the festival.
14. Festival del Tomate de Pasto
A tomato festival in August showcasing the region's best tomatoes and related products.
- Tomato Lovers' Paradise: Indulge your love for tomatoes as you learn about and taste different varieties.
- Local Producers: Meet local tomato farmers and learn about the process of growing and harvesting tomatoes.
- Tomato-themed Products: Sample a variety of tomato-based foods and products during the festival.
15. Festival del Aji de Pasto
A hot pepper festival in October showcasing the region's best aji and related products.
- Spice Lovers' Paradise: Indulge your love for spicy food as you learn about and taste different varieties of aji.
- Local Producers: Meet local hot pepper farmers and learn about the process of growing and harvesting aji.
- Aji-themed Products: Sample a variety of aji-based foods and products during the festival.