Colombian Festivals and Carnivals

With Easter that just passed a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would talk about the different
festivals and carnivals which are celebrated throughout Colombia. Some are truly unmissable
events!

Semana Santa, Easter, Popayán.

Perfect for those who enjoy festivities, Popayán hosts the most famous Semana Santa
celebrations in Colombia. Famous for its colonial architecture, Popayán is also known as the
religious capital of Colombia and is home to more churches per capita than any other
settlement in the country. This celebration is the 2nd largest Easter Celebration in the world.
World Salsa Festival, August, Cali.
Every August/September, the World Salsa Festival takes place in Cali. This festival is amazing as
it attracts talented bands, as well as thousands of salsa dancers from different dance schools in
Cali and from all around the world. If you’re new to the salsa dancing world, don’t fret, as this
festival holds workshops, talks, exhibitions and gathers the best of International schools and
professionals of Salsa. Get ready to see some serious talent!

Medellin Flower Festival, August, Medellin.

Known as the “City of eternal spring”, it’s not surprising that Medellin hosts the week-long
Medellin Flower festival. During this week, there are a number scheduled of events and
festivities including the world-famous parade of silleteros.
Scheduled events include horseback riding through town, caravan of chivas (which you MUST
try), an orchid competition, music festivals, a food fair, a firework show, and the parade of
silleteros. The city of Medellin truly comes alive in colour, displaying its heritage through the
use of flowers which grow in and around the countryside. This festival is perfect for tourists
who truly wish to have to Colombian experience.

Barranquilla Carnaval, February, Barranquilla.

If you’re looking for an amazing display of colours, Caribbean vibes and Colombian customs, El
Carnaval de Barranquilla is for you. As the world’s second-largest carnival celebration, behind
Rio, Barranquilla attracts 1.5 million people throughout the carnival’s duration. The carnival
starts in Feburary, but make sure not to miss out on the pre-carnaval which starts mid-January.
These celebrations include live music, dances, and parades. The Carnaval itself attracts
hundreds of local and international artists. The most popular types of music which are played
are cumbia and mapalé—both guaranteed to make you dance! El Carnaval de Barranquilla has
been declared by UNESCO a World Cultural Heritage Event.
Black and White Festival, January, Pasto.
This event is one of Colombia’s most famous festivals and is, by far, one of my favourites.
Thousands of tourists from around the world come to Pasto in order to celebrate the festival.
The origin of this celebration comes from the times of the Agrarian Indian cultures of the
region, who celebrated to pay tribute to their moon Goddess. Over time, this celebration has
had outside influences such as Spanish festivals and has incorporated elements of African
culture such as its feasts. This festival lasts 3 days and each day follows a different theme.
Celebrations range from vibrant floats which are paraded on the streets, to adults and kids alike
throwing talcum powder at each other. This festival is meant to celebrate the rich history of the
region and diversity of different cultures which have come together. This event has been so
successful that it has been named one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage
of Humanity by UNESCO.

Adapted from http://www.redtreestudy.com/colombian-festivals-carnivals/