Information
LOCATION
Colombia, Barranquilla
DATE
March 1 – March 4, 2025
HOTEL & FLIGHT
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ALL EVENTS
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When is Barranquilla Carnival 2025?
The Barranquilla Carnival is celebrated annually for four days before the start of Lent, beginning on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and ending on Carnival Tuesday. This year, the official dates are from March 1 to March 4, 2025, but pre-carnival events start in January.
Where is Barranquilla?
Barranquilla, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is the fourth largest city in the country, with a population of approximately 1.2 million people. Despite being home to the second-largest carnival in the world, Barranquilla is a relatively unknown destination outside of Colombia. The city is easily accessible, either by a 1.5-hour flight from Medellín or a bus ride from Cartagena, Santa Marta, and other nearby cities.
Barranquilla Carnival: The Second Largest Carnival in South America
The Barranquilla Carnival is a vibrant celebration that reflects the cultural diversity of the region. It is one of the largest festivities in South America, only surpassed by the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil. During these days, Barranquilla transforms into a stage of color, music, dance, and tradition, offering an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.
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Main Event Schedule for Barranquilla Carnival 2025
Carnival Saturday – March 1, 2025
- Battle of Flowers: This spectacular parade on Vía 40 marks the official start of the carnival. It is a six-hour event featuring thousands of artists, floats decorated with flowers, and the vibrant Carnival Queen.
- King Momo Parade: Held on Calle 17, this parade is led by King Momo, one of the main characters of the carnival.
- Street Party: A celebration where music, food, and joy can be found on every corner.
Carnival Sunday – March 2, 2025
- Great Parade of Tradition: Another major parade on Vía 40, this event showcases traditional comparsas and folkloric dances like cumbia and mapalé.
- Orchestra Festival: A musical competition where the best groups from Colombia and the Caribbean compete for the coveted Golden Congo award.
Carnival Monday – March 3, 2025
- Great Parade of Comparsas: This parade on Vía 40 displays a fusion of cultures and sounds, with groups showcasing traditional costumes and dances.
- Dance to the Street/Tambó Night: A nighttime event where music, food, and folklore come together in a joyful celebration.
Carnival Tuesday – March 4, 2025
- Joselito’s Burial: The carnival concludes with this symbolic event, where a parade is held on Calle 84 to bury Joselito, the character that represents the end of the festivities.
What is the History of Barranquilla Carnival?
The Barranquilla Carnival has deep roots in Colombian history and culture. Its origins date back to the colonial era when the Spanish introduced pre-Lenten festivities to the Americas. Over the centuries, the carnival has evolved into a celebration that fuses indigenous, African, and European traditions. This event has grown significantly since the 18th century, with the Battle of Flowers established in 1903 and the Great Parade in 1967.
A Fusion of Cultures on Colombia's Caribbean Coast
The Barranquilla Carnival is a representation of the melting pot of cultures that characterizes Colombia’s Caribbean region. European, African, and indigenous influences are reflected in the dances, music, costumes, and foods showcased during the festivities. This cultural diversity is one of the reasons the carnival was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.
Pre-Carnival in Barranquilla
The pre-carnival season begins in January, with Barranquilla adorned to welcome the most important festivity of the year. Some of the most notable pre-carnival events include:
- Coronation of the Carnival Queen: A spectacle that crowns the carnival’s ambassador.
- Reading of the Decree: The carnival queen receives the keys to the city and officially declares the start of the festivities.
- Guacherna: A nighttime parade illuminated by lanterns that winds through the streets of Barranquilla.
"Quien lo Vive es Quien lo Disfruta!"
This is the slogan of the Barranquilla Carnival, encapsulating the spirit of the celebration: let loose, dance, and enjoy life. During these four days, the entire city stops to immerse itself in the party and forget about worries.
Get Ready to Dance Cumbia
Cumbia, one of Colombia’s most emblematic rhythms, is the queen of the carnival. Practice your moves before you arrive because during these days the music won’t stop, and everyone will be dancing to the rhythm of cumbia.
Main Events of Barranquilla Carnival
- Battle of Flowers: The biggest and most popular parade of the carnival, filled with elaborately decorated floats, amazing costumes, and live music.
- Great Parade of Comparsas: A parade where dance groups compete to showcase the cultural diversity of the region.
- Orchestra Festival: A musical event that brings together the best groups from Colombia and the Caribbean in a competition for the Golden Congo award.
- Joselito’s Burial: The parade that marks the end of the carnival, symbolizing the close of the festivities until next year.
Where to Stay for Barranquilla Carnival?
Barranquilla offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels in the northern part of the city to cozy hostels in the historic center. Some of the most popular areas include:
- North-Central Historic Area: With neighborhoods like Alto Prado and El Prado, this area is ideal for its safety and proximity to major attractions.
- Riomar: A coastal area with accommodation options close to shopping centers and the Magdalena River.
Book in advance: Due to high demand during the carnival, it is advisable to reserve your accommodation as early as possible.
