Events & Festivals

January

Cultural festival with live music, the reinado del cafe, and parades through the steep streets of Manizales.

January 2-7

UNESCO-recognized carnival dating back to colonial times. Participants paint each other black and white in celebration of diversity. Artisan floats (carrozas) parade through the streets.

January (odd years)

UNESCO-recognized biennial carnival blending Indigenous and colonial traditions with devil masks and street theater. Next: January 2027.

January

International literary and cultural festival with talks, debates, and performances by world-renowned authors and thinkers.

February-March

UNESCO-recognized and the second-largest carnival in the world after Rio. Four days of parades, cumbia, elaborate costumes, and a city that shuts down to dance. Book months ahead.

March

One of the oldest film festivals in Latin America, showcasing independent cinema from Colombia and the region.

April

Massive book fair at Corferias with hundreds of publishers, author readings, cultural events, and book deals.

June

Coastal festival celebrating maritime culture with fishing tournaments, live music, and seafood competitions.

July

International poetry festival drawing writers from across Latin America. Free readings in parks and theaters across the city.

July

One of the largest free rock festivals in Latin America, held in Parque Simon Bolivar. Three days of international and Colombian rock, metal, punk, and hip-hop.

July

Maritime festival celebrating the city's coastal heritage with water sports, music, and cultural events.

July

Latin America's largest fashion trade fair. Public-facing events include gourmet food markets and outdoor concerts near the convention center.

August

Medellin's signature event. The famous Desfile de Silleteros parade features farmers carrying elaborate flower arrangements on their backs through the city. Weeks of concerts, cultural events, and citywide celebrations.

August

City festival celebrating music, dance, and local coffee culture with concerts and parades.

August

Free outdoor salsa festival in Bogota with live performances by top salsa orchestras from Colombia and the Caribbean.

September

Global salsa dance competition drawing performers and teams from dozens of countries. The world capital of salsa at its best.

September

City-wide celebration with live music, food festivals, cultural events, and the reinado de belleza beauty pageant.

September

Free outdoor jazz festival in Parque de la Independencia featuring Colombian and international jazz musicians.

September (2nd Saturday)

National celebration of Colombia's most iconic food. Cities host festivals showcasing regional arepa varieties — paisa, de huevo, de choclo, and more.

October

Coffee festival in the heart of Colombia's coffee region. Tastings, workshops with growers, and barista competitions.

November

Film festival showcasing Colombian and Latin American independent cinema with screenings across the city.

December 25-30

Week-long salsa festival with dance competitions, massive concerts, and parades. Cali transforms into one giant salsa party. The biggest event in the salsa capital.

December-January

Spectacular Christmas light displays along the Rio Medellin. Millions of lights transform the riverbanks into a free, walkable light show. One of the best Christmas light displays in the world.

December 7 (Dia de las Velitas)

Night of the Little Candles — the unofficial start of Christmas in Colombia. Entire neighborhoods light candles and paper lanterns outside their homes. Walk any residential street for a magical experience.