carnival in barranquilla
Partying with the locals at Colombia’s biggest party
The carnival in Barranquilla is the second largest carnival in the world. Rio de Janeiro may host the largest carnival, but in Barranquilla it is also a mega event. The streets are transformed into a huge street party for locals and tourists, with live bands, parades and traditional Colombian music and dance (Cumbia, Merengue, Mapalé, Salsa, among others). It revolves around carnival for 4 days, many businesses are closed and most of the rest of life is at a standstill. With the pre-carnival events There, the carnival lasts an entire month, from January 13 to February 13. In 2003, the carnival of Barranquilla became recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
“Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza“; is the slogan of the Carnival of Barranquilla or: Live it and enjoy it……and enjoy it the Barranquilleros can enjoy it like the best!
Here you will read everything you need to know about carnival in Barranquilla, what are the most beautiful parades and what are the best parties before and after carnival. You will also find tips and tricks and useful information for planning your trip to Barranquilla carnival.
the program
CaThis is the program of the main events in 2024:
Saturday, Feb. 10:
Batalla de Flores (flower parade) 1 p.m. / Via 40
The opening parade with floats, folklore and dance groups and many beautiful costumes. Radiant centerpiece is the queen of the carnival. There is a theme/parody during the parade every year; politicians and celebrities are popular subjects of ridicule among the groups.
Sunday, Feb. 11:
Gran Parada de Tradición y Folklore (grand parade): 1 p.m. / Via 40.
A parade with dance groups and the most beautiful folklore groups, without floats. More than 300 groups participate in this parade every year.
Monday, Feb. 12:
Gran Parada de Comparsas (big parade for groups) : 1 p.m. / Via 40.
Also called the “big fantasy parade.” This is a more international version of the great
parade featuring traditional, local and international music, such as the Cumbia, Salsa, Samba and Reggaetón.
Tuesday, Feb. 13: Joselito se va con las Cenizas (Joselito leaves in ashes): Calle 84
On the last day of Carnival, the death and burial of “Joselito” takes center stage. Joselito symbolizes the joy of carnival. Thousands of people go through the streets carrying Joselitos, transported on stretchers or in coffins. If you want to experience Carnival in Barranquilla from A-Z, this is an absolute must!
Prior to the carnival parades, there are many events, such as the popular evening parade La Guacherna, on the Friday before Carnival. There is also the Carnaval de Los Niños (children’s parade) and the coronation of the Reina del Carnaval (Queen of Carnival). As of Jan. 13 already begins the pre-carnival program. Read on below for the best pre-carnival events. View the entire program here:
pre carnival events-the highlights
February 2:
Guacherna, 8 p.m. Cathedral Metropolitana, Cra 45
Evening party with lots of dancing, cumbias, groups and lights.
You can buy a ticket to the Palco Guacherna from COP90,300 /€23
Feb. 8:
Noche del Río, 6 p.m., Carrera 50
An evening with lots of music and dancing on the Río Magdalena
You can buy a ticket for the Noche del Río from COP17,000/€4
February 9:
Coronation of the kings and queens of the carnival, 20.00u.
Grand event that takes place at the Estadio Romelio Martinez, featuring famous artists such as Carlos Vives. Tickets can be purchased from COP 109,500/€27
Feb. 9,10,11:
Baila la Calle, 8 p.m., Carrera 50 con Calle Murillo. Dancing on the largest dance floor in the world.
Buy a ticket for any of the evenings from COP27,000/€7
Here you buy the tickets online, using an international credit card.
ToColombia Tips
How do you plan your trip to Barranquilla’s carnival?
Read our 5 tips here!
Tip #1
Book your hotel well in advance!
Carnival in Barranquilla is very popular, even among Colombian tourists. Hotel prices go up tremendously with Carnival and rooms are quickly booked. Check here for our tips for hotels near the carnival route and more tips for booking the nicest hotels in Barranquilla.
Tip #2
Buy a ticket for the covered grandstand (palco)
- At the palcos you can sit -for the most part- in the shade. Other services at the palcos are: food and beverage sales, restrooms and music. There are large palcos like this one:
And small -mini- palcos like this one:
- Tickets are usually sold in a 3-day package. Prices range from COP 99,000/25€) for the minipalcos up to COP 400,000/100€ for the most expensive package at the palcos. De grotere palcos bieden meer comfort, een beter uitzicht en meer schaduw dan de mini palcos. Online kun je o.a. tickets kopen bij tuboleta, where you can pay with an international credit card.
- When purchasing, check what exactly is included with your ticket. Seats are not reserved, so you should arrive early anyway for a good spot. You are not allowed to bring your own food to the palcos.
- If you prefer not to buy tickets online, you can also buy tickets locally, but keep in mind that last minute prices are higher. Beware of fake tickets offered on the street. Hotels sometimes also have some tickets available at the last minute
- If you are only in Barranquilla for 1 day for carnival, go to the Batalla de Flores
Tip#3
Practical tips for the parades
- Be open to interacting with the locals; they are nice and want to have fun just like you. It helps if you speak a word of Spanish. You’ll probably have to get used to the Costeños’ pronunciation, which is different than in cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
- Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen
- Hats and colorful accessories can be purchased at stalls along the parade route
- The weather is hot and humid, so drink plenty of water
- Bring an extra shirt and prepare to be sprayed with foam and powder, the “weapons” of carnival. Tourists are sought-after objects!
- Bring tissues and hand sanitizer
- After the parades, you can continue partying at the street parties on Calle 70 and Calle 84. The parties start around sunset and continue until early morning. la Troja, is a popular place to continue partying after carnival.
- The carnival parades, unfortunately also attract thieves. Be careful with your valuables, take as little as possible and store your money e.g. in a thin fanny pack under your pants.
Tip #4
What to do after carnival?
It’s worth spending a few more days in Barranquilla after Carnival. There is plenty to do and the Costeños (locals) are hospitable and proud of their culture. They are only too happy to tell you about it. Check out our travel guide Barranquilla for tips on what to do in Barranquilla, where you can enjoy food, transportation and much more. The carnival museum is worth a visit if you want to stay a little longer in the carnival atmosphere. Also nice to visit before carnival so you already know e.g. about the history of carnival in Barranquilla and the origin of the costumes. In short: be surprised by one of Colombia’s less touristy cities!
Tip #5
Check out this round trip from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Are you traveling further along the North Coast after your stay in Barranquilla? Then check out our tips for a round trip from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.