Carnaval de Barranquilla
A UNESCO-listed masterpiece of intangible heritage, with four days of float parades, Congo dances and masquerade revelry, and Colombia's largest folk festival.
The Barranquilla Carnival was inscribed by UNESCO in 2003 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, blending Spanish, African and Indigenous traditions. The official celebration runs from the Saturday to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The first day features the 'Battle of Flowers' float parade on 40th Street. The second day is the traditional grand parade, followed by band competitions and the closing 'Burial of Joselito.' To watch the parades, buy grandstand seats along the route in advance. Hotel prices soar during the festival, and in crowds, keep an eye on your belongings and bring sun protection.
Opening hours
During carnival season
Nearby sights
- Casa del Carnaval
- Antigua Aduana
- Ventana de Campeones
- Museo del Caribe
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Mary Queen
- Paseo de Bolívar
- Shakira Statue
- Church of San Nicolás de Tolentino