Major Events & Festivals in Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

Santa Marta, Colombia, Santa Marta, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

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.