Top 10 Holidays in Colombia in 2025

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary cultural extravaganza in the heart of South America as Colombia gears up to celebrate its vibrant festivals in 2025. From the captivating rhythms of Barranquilla’s Carnival to the spiritual immersion of Popayán’s Holy Week, Colombia’s festivals offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness the country’s rich heritage and traditions firsthand. As the countdown begins, let’s delve into the captivating world of Colombian festivities and discover the unique experiences that await you in 2025. Throughout this article, we will navigate the diverse tapestry of Colombian festivals, exploring their historical significance, cultural nuances, and the unforgettable moments they promise.

One of the most iconic Colombian festivals, the Barranquilla Carnival, bursts onto the scene with an explosion of color, music, and dance. This four-day celebration, held annually in February, transforms the streets of Barranquilla into a kaleidoscope of creativity. As the infectious rhythms of cumbia, salsa, and merengue fill the air, locals and visitors alike don elaborate costumes and masks, embodying the spirit of the festival. The highlight of the Carnival is the Battle of Flowers, a spectacular parade where floats adorned with vibrant flowers compete for the coveted title of “Queen of the Carnival.” Prepare to be swept away by the contagious energy, infectious laughter, and the vibrant spirit that permeates this unforgettable celebration.

Beyond the exuberant festivities of Barranquilla, Colombia’s festivals offer a profound immersion into the country’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Popayán’s Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is a solemn and deeply moving experience. Held in the lead-up to Easter, the festival transforms the historic city of Popayán into a sacred space. Processions of penitents clad in purple robes fill the streets, carrying elaborate floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. Holy Week in Popayán is a time for reflection, contemplation, and a deep connection to the religious traditions that have shaped Colombian culture for centuries. While the somber tone of Holy Week stands in contrast to the exuberant celebrations of other festivals, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the profound spirituality and reverence that permeates Colombian society.

Celebratory Extravaganza: Colombia’s Vibrant Festivals in 2025

Festivities and Cultural Delights

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Colombian culture through its captivating festivals. From the whimsical Carnival of Barranquilla to the folkloric Vallenato Festival, each celebration unveils the country’s rich artistry, music, and dance traditions. In 2025, prepare to witness a kaleidoscope of festivities that will ignite your senses and create lasting memories.

Carnival of Barranquilla

Kick off the festive season with the exuberant Carnival of Barranquilla, a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. This four-day extravaganza, held from February 13-17, 2025, transforms the city into a vibrant vortex of colors, rhythms, and performances. Witness the traditional parades featuring elaborate costumes, lively dances, and the infectious music of cumbia, mapalé, and gaita. The festival culminates in the symbolic burial of Joselito Carnaval, a jovial character representing the spirit of the celebrations.

**Carnival of Barranquilla Key Events:**

Event	Date
Gran Parada de Tradición	February 15, 2025
Gran Parada de Comparsas	February 16, 2025
Entierro de Joselito Carnaval	February 17, 2025

The Carnival of Barranquilla: A Mesmerizing Display of Rhythms and Colors

The Carnival of Barranquilla is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place every year in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. It is one of the most famous carnivals in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The carnival is a celebration of the city’s culture and heritage, and it features a wide variety of music, dance, and costumes. The most popular events of the carnival include the Battle of the Flowers and the Grand Parade.

The Battle of the Flowers

The Battle of the Flowers is a parade that features floats decorated with flowers. The floats are thrown with flowers by the spectators, and the parade is a beautiful and festive event.

The Battle of the Flowers is held on the first day of the carnival, and it is one of the most popular events. The parade is a great way to experience the culture of Barranquilla and to enjoy the beautiful flowers.

The floats in the Battle of the Flowers are decorated with a variety of flowers, including:

Flower	Color
Roses	Red, pink, white, yellow
Carnations	Red, pink, white, yellow, purple
Lilies	White, pink, yellow, orange
Sunflowers	Yellow
Orchids	Purple, pink, white, yellow

Vallenato Legend Festival: A Musical Odyssey in Valledupar

The Vallenato Legend Festival is an annual event that celebrates the traditional music of Colombia in the city of Valledupar. It is one of the most important festivals in the country and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events, including concerts, workshops, and competitions. It is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant and rich culture of Colombia.

Important Dates

The Vallenato Legend Festival is typically held in the end of April. In 2025, the festival will be held from April 28th to May 1st.

Events

The festival features a variety of events, including:

Concerts by some of the best vallenato musicians in the world
Workshops and master classes with renowned vallenato artists
Competitions for amateur and professional vallenato musicians
A parade of traditional vallenato costumes
A food fair featuring a variety of traditional Colombian dishes

Categories of Competition

Category
Professional Vallenato
Amateur Vallenato
Professional Piqueria
Amateur Piqueria
Composition

Getting There

Valledupar is located in the northeast of Colombia. The city is served by Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport (VUP). You can also take a bus or car from other major cities in Colombia.

Accommodation

There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses in Valledupar. Prices range from around 20,000 COP to 100,000 COP per night. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the festival.

Medellín’s Flower Festival: A Symphony of Blooms and Traditions

Celebrated annually in early August, the Medellín Flower Festival is a vibrant showcase of Colombian culture, artistry, and the city’s renowned floral beauty.

A Kaleidoscope of Flowers

During the festival, Medellín transforms into a sea of vibrant blooms. Orquideorama, a renowned orchid display, attracts visitors from around the world, showcasing over 3,000 different species. The Silleteros, flower farmers from the nearby mountains, parade through the streets, carrying elaborate arrangements that weigh hundreds of pounds.

Desfile de Silleteros: A Tradition Rooted in History

The Desfile de Silleteros is the festival’s grandest event. These hardworking farmers carry their flower creations on their backs, adorned with intricate designs and representing their communities’ traditions. The parade fills the city with the scent of flowers and the cheers of spectators.

Cultural Immersions

Beyond the floral displays, the festival offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Traditional music and dance performances fill the streets, and local museums host exhibitions showcasing Colombian history and art. Guatapé, a nearby town, offers breathtaking views from its picturesque streets and giant rock monolith.

Practical Details

The Medellín Flower Festival typically runs from August 2 to August 7. Visitors can expect large crowds, so it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance.

Festival Highlights

The festival features a range of captivating events and activities:

Event	Dates
Orquideorama	July 31 – August 12
Desfile de Silleteros	August 7
Cultural Encounters	Throughout the festival

The Independence Day Symphony: Celebrating Colombia’s Historical Roots

Join us for a musical journey through time as we commemorate Colombia’s Independence Day with a symphony that captures the spirit and history of this vibrant nation. From traditional Andean rhythms to modern compositions, our symphony will transport you to the heart of Colombia’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Symphony’s Movements

The symphony comprises four distinct movements, each representing a pivotal era in Colombia’s history:

Prelude: The Indigenous Roots
Andante: The Colonial Era
Scherzo: The Struggle for Independence
Finale: The Republic

Finale: The Republic

The final movement of the symphony celebrates the emergence and evolution of Colombia’s modern-day republic. It features an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music, capturing the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage and its aspirations for the future.

Section	Themes
The Republic’s Birth	Triumphant brass melodies evoking the birth of the nation
Economic and Cultural Progress	A fusion of Colombian rhythms with modern orchestral arrangements
The Spirit of Resilience	Soaring strings and percussion representing the nation’s ability to overcome challenges
A Vision for the Future	An uplifting and optimistic melody, reflecting the nation’s dreams and aspirations

As the symphony concludes, the audience will be left with a profound sense of connection to Colombia’s past, present, and future, and a renewed appreciation for its rich and vibrant cultural heritage.

International Theater Festival: A Stage for Artistic Excellence in Bogotá

Held every two years, Bogotá’s International Theater Festival is a prestigious event that brings together renowned theater companies from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse range of plays, from contemporary dramas to experimental performances, offering theater enthusiasts a glimpse into the cutting-edge works of international artists.

The festival’s programming features a wide variety of productions, including:

– Hispanic Theater

The festival’s Hispanic Theater section features contemporary and classic works from Latin American theater companies, providing a platform for Spanish-language theater to connect with international audiences.

– World Theater

This section showcases innovative and groundbreaking works from theater companies worldwide, representing a diverse range of perspectives and artistic styles.

– Performative Arts

The festival also includes performative arts, such as dance, music, and circus performances, expanding the boundaries of what constitutes theater and offering audiences a multidisciplinary artistic experience.

– Artistic Conversations

Alongside the performances, the festival hosts artistic conversations, workshops, and masterclasses led by renowned artists and industry experts. These sessions provide attendees with opportunities to engage with the creative process and learn from the best in the field.

– Accessibility

The International Theater Festival is committed to accessibility, offering closed captioning, sign language interpretation, and audio description services to ensure that all audiences can enjoy the performances.

– Venues

The festival takes place in multiple venues across Bogotá, including the Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo, the Teatro Colón, and the Teatro La Comedia, offering attendees a variety of spaces to experience the performances.

Cartagena’s International Film Festival: A Cinematic Extravaganza

Cartagena’s International Film Festival, also known as FICCI, is an annual cinematic盛宴 that showcases an array of films from around the world. In 2025, the festival will take place from March 15th to 22nd, offering a captivating lineup of the latest and greatest cinematic experiences.

Film Categories

The festival features a wide range of film categories, including:

Feature films
Short films
Documentaries
Experimental films

International Recognition

FICCI has gained international recognition for its commitment to promoting Latin American cinema. The festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers from the region to showcase their work to a global audience.

Awards and Juries

The festival awards a variety of prizes, including:

Golden India Catalina for Best Film
Silver India Catalina for Best Director
Bronze India Catalina for Best Screenplay

The festival’s juries are composed of renowned filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals.

Special Events and Exhibitions

In addition to film screenings, FICCI offers a range of special events and exhibitions, including workshops, masterclasses, and retrospectives. These events provide opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and the public to engage with the world of cinema.

2025 Festival Dates

The 2025 Cartagena International Film Festival will be held from March 15th to 22nd.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the festival will go on sale in early 2025. Prices will vary depending on the type of ticket and the number of screenings purchased.

Festival Location

The festival takes place in various venues throughout the city of Cartagena, including:

Teatro Adolfo Mejía
Teatro Heredia
Plaza de la Trinidad

Manizales Fair: A Cattle Festival with a Cultural Twist

The Manizales Fair is the most important livestock and agricultural fair in Colombia, and one of the most important in Latin America. It is held annually in the city of Manizales, in the department of Caldas, and attracts over a million visitors each year.

The fair was first held in 1955, and has since become a major cultural event in Colombia. It is a celebration of the country’s rich livestock and agricultural heritage, and features a wide range of events and activities, including bullfights, rodeos, horse shows, and agricultural exhibitions.

In addition to its livestock and agricultural focus, the Manizales Fair also has a strong cultural component. The fair features a number of cultural events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and dance performances.

Coffee Culture

The Manizales Fair is also a celebration of the region’s coffee culture. The department of Caldas is one of the largest coffee-producing regions in Colombia, and the fair features a number of events and activities related to coffee production and consumption.

Visitors to the fair can learn about the history of coffee production in Colombia, and see how coffee is grown and processed. They can also sample some of the region’s finest coffees, and enjoy a variety of coffee-themed events.

Here is a table summarizing some of the key features of the Manizales Fair:

Feature	Description
Dates	January 6-12, 2025
Location	Manizales, Caldas
Attendance	Over 1 million visitors
Events	Bullfights, rodeos, horse shows, agricultural exhibitions, concerts, art exhibitions, dance performances, coffee-themed events

Aguinaldo Boyacense: A Festive Celebration of Colombian Christmas Traditions

The Aguinaldo Boyacense is a vibrant and joyful festival held in the Boyacá region of Colombia every December. This festival celebrates the Colombian Christmas traditions with music, dance, and cultural performances. Here are some highlights of the Aguinaldo Boyacense:

Music and Dance

The festival is renowned for its captivating music and traditional dances. Musicians gather to play instruments such as the tiple, guitar, and bandola, creating a lively atmosphere. The dance performances showcase the region’s folk dances, such as the Torbellino and Guabina, which are performed in colorful and intricate costumes.

Cultural Performances

Beyond music and dance, the Aguinaldo Boyacense also features cultural performances that celebrate the region’s history and traditions. These performances include storytelling, theater, and puppetry, which depict traditional tales and customs.

Nativity Scenes

During the festival, elaborate Nativity scenes known as “pesebres” are displayed in homes and churches. These scenes depict the birth of Jesus and include intricate figurines representing the Holy Family, animals, and local customs.

Handmade Crafts

The festival provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their handmade crafts. Visitors can browse a variety of traditional items, such as colorful weavings, ceramics, and woodwork, which reflect the region’s skilled artisanship.

Gastronomy

The Aguinaldo Boyacense offers a chance to sample the region’s traditional cuisine. Food stalls and restaurants serve up delicious dishes like tamales, arepas, and cuajada, giving visitors a taste of local flavors.

Festival dates

December 16-30, 2025

Festival dates
December 16-30, 2025

Location

Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia

Cultural Significance

The Aguinaldo Boyacense plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Boyacá. It fosters a sense of community, celebrates traditional values, and promotes local artisanship.

Tourism

The festival attracts numerous visitors each year, who come to experience the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy the cultural performances, and purchase local crafts and souvenirs.

Impact on Local Economy

The Aguinaldo Boyacense has a positive impact on the local economy. It supports local businesses, provides employment opportunities, and showcases the region’s tourism potential.

Festivos in Colombia 2025

Colombia is a country with a rich and vibrant culture, and its festivals are a reflection of that. In 2025, there will be several major festivals taking place throughout the country, offering visitors a chance to experience the best of Colombian culture.

One of the most popular festivals in Colombia is the Carnival of Barranquilla, which takes place in February. This festival is a celebration of music, dance, and culture, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. Other popular festivals include the Medellin Flower Festival in August, the Cali Fair in December, and the Bogota International Book Fair in April.

In addition to these major festivals, there are also a number of smaller festivals that take place throughout the year. These festivals often celebrate local traditions and customs, and they offer visitors a chance to experience the unique culture of each region of Colombia.