Cartagena: A Living Stage of Culture and Tradition
Cartagena de Indias is not just a tourist destination; it's a heart that beats to the rhythm of drums, poetry, and color. Its cobblestone streets and centuries-old walls bear witness to a cultural richness expressed through festivals and events all year round. In 2026, the city is preparing to offer a calendar full of experiences ranging from the ancestral to the contemporary, inviting travelers and residents alike to immerse themselves in its essence. This article is your guide to missing nothing, with a month-by-month tour of the most emblematic events, practical details, and that magic only Cartagena knows how to give.
📅 Updated on March 18, 2026
Based on new searches, we have updated Jazz Festival dates, added confirmed details for FICCI and Rock Imperium, included events from March and April official cultural agenda, corrected IRONMAN 70.3 date, and adjusted information on the Theater Festival. Check the links for more details.
Monthly Calendar of Main Events 2026
Cartagena lives its culture nonstop. Here we present the key events month by month, with confirmed or estimated information. We recommend checking official links for final confirmations.
January: New Year, Music Festival, Handicrafts Fair, Candelaria Festivities, Fried Food Festival, and Hay Festival
Cartagena International Music Festival
Dates: January 4 to 12, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Adolfo Mejía Theater, Chapel of Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel, and other heritage spaces
Address: Calle de la Factoría #36-57, Historic Center, Cartagena
Cost: From $50,000 COP per concert
Details: With the theme "The Soul and the Body: Musical Universalism and National Schools," this festival offers 27 concerts with artists like Maxim Vengerov, Xavier de Maistre, and the Bogotá Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Export Handicrafts Fair (Farex)
Dates: January 3 to 12, 2026
Location: Convention Center
Cost: Admission likely free or low-cost
Details: Over 250 exhibitors focused on tradition, innovation, and sustainability. According to Caracol.
Candelaria Festivities
Dates: January 24 to February 2, 2026
Location: Various places in the city
Details: Traditional celebration that included the Festival del Frito Cartagenero, with cultural and religious events. According to Caracol.
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Festival del Frito Cartagenero
Dates: January 24 to February 2, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Traditional event in the city, integrated with Candelaria Festivities
Cost: Tastings from $10,000 COP (estimated)
Details: Registration closed on January 13, with 25 selected participants. Promotes Cartagena's gastronomic heritage with arepas de huevo, buñuelos, and more. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Hay Festival Cartagena
Dates: January 29 to February 1, 2026 (already concluded)
Location: Adolfo Mejía Theater, Convention Center, and other spaces
Address: Julio César Turbay Ayala Convention Center, Cartagena
Cost: Events from $20,000 COP; events were free on January 31 and February 1 for Bolívar residents with ID, according to the official website
Details: With over 180 participants from 25 countries, included talks, workshops, concerts, and readings on literature, music, and more. Community activities like the Ritmos de Libertad troupe and tribute to porro. For recordings, visit the official website. Official website | View on Google Maps.
February: Cartagena Carnival, Candela Viva, and More Events
Cartagena Carnival
Dates: February 6 to 17, 2026 (already concluded on February 17)
Location: Streets of the Historic Center, Getsemaní, and venues like Pabellón Wssell de Guimbarda and Auditorio El Batel
Address: Historic Center, Cartagena, Bolívar
Cost: Free admission for parades; special events from €4-€6 (approximately $30,000 COP)
Details: The carnival, declared of Regional Tourist Interest, included twelve days of festivities with acts like the proclamation by Bibiana Fernández, queen galas, choreography contests, Drag Gala, King Gala, and the Chirigotas Contest. Check the full program at www.carnaval.cartagena.es. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Candela Viva 2026
Dates: Celebrations in February, culminating on February 18, 2026 (already concluded)
Location: Neighborhoods like Crespo, Pie de la Popa, Olaya Herrera, and Alcibia
Details: Massive celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria with community projects, included the 5th Cultural, Artistic and Gastronomic Patronal Festival, theater and film workshops, XXVI Cumbia Festival (ASOFOLCLOR), and Pasacorriendo Fritodan. Strengthened territorial identity with local participation. According to cartagena.gov.co.
Cumbia Festival
Dates: February 1 and 2, 2026 (part of Candela Viva)
Location: Various venues
Details: Celebration of the traditional Colombian musical genre. According to El Universal.
Heritage Route
Dates: Last Sunday of the month (February 2026)
Location: Tour through historical heritage
Cost: Free admission
Details: Activity to learn about Cartagena's heritage. According to cartagena.gov.co.
ANATO Tourism Showcase
Dates: February 25 to 27, 2026
Location: Convention Center
Details: Cartagena's participation in this national tourism showcase. According to cartagena.gov.co.
March: Festival ConCuerda, World Artisan Day, Holy Week, and More
Festival ConCuerda
Dates: March 3 to 13, 2026
Location: Various cultural spaces
Details: Musical and artistic programming that strengthens the local scene, according to El Universal.
World Artisan Day
Dates: March 19, 2026
Location: Activities across the city
Details: Recognition of the artisan craft with community events, part of the official cultural agenda.
Sweet Festival and Sacred Music Festival
Dates: March 29 to April 5, 2026
Location: Integrated into Holy Week celebrations
Details: Combines religious, gastronomic, and musical tourism, according to cartagena.gov.co.
Expo Esports Colombia 2026
Dates: March 24 to 26, 2026
Location: Las Américas Convention Center, Los Morros sector
Cost: Admission likely with fee
Details: Part of GAT Expo Cartagena 2026, with eSports competitions, Cosplay runway, and more. Official website.
Holy Week: Religious processions in the Historic Center, free admission.
April: National Film Commissions Meeting, FICCI, and More
National Film Commissions Meeting
Dates: April 6 to 10, 2026
Location: Convention centers and audiovisual spaces
Details: Focused on the audiovisual industry, part of Cartagena's official cultural agenda, according to cartagena.gov.co.
Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI)
Dates: April 14 to 19, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Heredia Theater and cinemas
Address: Heredia Theater, Calle de la Merced, Cartagena
Cost: Passes from $80,000 COP (estimated); free events with social vocation
Details: The 65th edition of the oldest film festival in Latin America, with over 180 films from 57 countries. Includes national, Latin American, and international premieres, and sections like Colombian Feature Films and Ibero-America. The complete program will be published closer to the event. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Titirifestival Cartagena and Theater and Puppet Season
Dates: Starts in April 2026
Location: Various theaters and community spaces
Details: Puppet and theater presentations that enrich the cultural offer, according to the official agenda.
International Dance Day
Dates: April 29, 2026
Location: Activities in public spaces
Details: Celebration with dance events, part of the cultural agenda.
May: National SCCOT Congress and Other Events
National SCCOT Congress 2026
Dates: May 6 to 9, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Las Américas Hotel, Cartagena
Cost: For registered participants; registrations open on the official site
Details: The 71st edition of this medical congress. Official website.
June: Confirmed Cultural Events
For June 2026, according to the official cultural agenda, two key events are confirmed:
Cartagena's Birthday
Dates: June 1, 2026
Location: Various places in the city
Details: Celebration of the city's anniversary, part of over 200 annual events that strengthen cultural identity. According to El Universal.
Night of San Juan
Dates: June 24, 2026
Location: Traditionally on beaches and public spaces
Details: Traditional festivity with cultural and community activities. According to cartagena.gov.co.
July: Independence, Rock Imperium Festival, and La Mar de Músicas
Cartagena celebrates its independence with various events. For 2026, two major festivals have been confirmed:
Rock Imperium Festival
Dates: July 3 to 5, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Parque El Batel, Cartagena
Cost: General passes available at final price (from 195€ + fees) on www.madnesslive.es; single-day tickets depend on availability
Details: Fifth edition with bands like Iron Maiden and Sabaton. Children under 12 enter for free. Check real-time stock on the official site. Official website | View on Google Maps.
La Mar de Músicas
Dates: July 17 to 25, 2026
Location: Various historical venues in Cartagena
Details: 31st edition focusing on musical diversity with an "Ecuador Special". Full lineup yet to be confirmed. Official website.
August: Arepa de Huevo Festival
Arepa de Huevo Festival
Dates: August 15, 2026 (estimated)
Location: Getsemaní
Address: Getsemaní neighborhood, Cartagena
Cost: Tastings from $5,000 COP
Details: A tribute to this culinary icon, with contests and gastronomic showcases. It's a popular festival that brings families together. View on Google Maps.
September: Cultural Events
In September 2026, Cartagena offers varied cultural events, but there is no official confirmation for a specific theater festival. Check the cultural agenda for theater activities in venues like the Auditorio El Batel.
October: Salsa Festival and Cartagena Jazz Festival
Cartagena Salsa Festival
Dates: October 10-12, 2026 (estimated)
Location: Clubs and squares in the Center
Address: Clubs in Historic Center, Cartagena
Cost: From $40,000 COP per night
Details: Nights of dancing with live orchestras, classes, and competitions. A tribute to salsa and other Caribbean rhythms. View on Google Maps.
Cartagena Jazz Festival
Dates: October 29 to November 16, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Auditorio El Batel (Isidoro Máiquez and Antera Baus halls) and other spaces
Cost: Passes and tickets to be confirmed; check the official website
Details: 44th edition with artists like Paco de Lucía Legacy, Kandace Springs, and Paquito D'Rivera. More information at jazz.cartagena.es. Official website | View on Google Maps.
November: IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena, Poetry Festival, and Palenque
IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena
Dates: November 29, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Cartagena beaches
Cost: Registration open, around $700 USD including additional fees
Details: Half-distance triathlon (1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run). Register at the official website. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Cartagena Poetry Festival
Dates: November 7-9, 2026 (estimated)
Location: Libraries and historic cafes
Address: Libraries in Historic Center, Cartagena
Cost: Free admission
Details: Readings and workshops that rescue the poetic voice of the Caribbean, with emphasis on Afro-descendant authors. Official website | View on Google Maps.
December: Christmas and Handicrafts Fair
Cartagena Handicrafts Fair
Dates: December 15-22, 2026 (estimated)
Location: Plaza de San Diego
Address: Plaza de San Diego, Historic Center, Cartagena
Cost: Free admission; products from $20,000 COP
Details: Local handicrafts, live music, and Christmas lights illuminating the city. A year-end full of color. View on Google Maps.
Details of Iconic Festivals
Some events deserve special mention for their cultural impact. The Hay Festival, for example, is not just a literary festival; it's a global dialogue that puts Cartagena on the map of contemporary thought. In 2026, with over 180 participants, talks blended with the sea breeze. The Music Festival, with its theme "The Soul and the Body," transforms heritage venues into concert halls. The Cartagena Jazz Festival brings big international names, solidifying Cartagena as a musical destination. These festivals are not passive spectacles; they are invitations to participate, question, and feel.
Tips for Attending Events and How to Buy Tickets
Attending events in Cartagena requires planning. Here are some tips:
- Advance purchase: For festivals like Hay or FICCI, buy tickets months in advance on official websites or platforms like Tuboleta.
- Budget: Estimate between $50,000 and $200,000 COP per event, plus accommodation. Street events are usually free.
- Transportation: Use taxis or apps like Uber; traffic can be heavy during festivals.
- Accommodation: Book early, especially during peak dates like January or February.
- Attire: Light, comfortable clothing; bring a hat and sunscreen for outdoor events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Events in Cartagena
When is the best time to visit Cartagena for its festivals?
Cartagena has events all year, but the most intense months are January (Music Festival and start of Hay Festival) and February (Carnival). If you're looking for a complete cultural experience, plan your trip between January and April.
Are events in Cartagena family-friendly?
Yes, most events are family-friendly. Festivals like the Fried Food Festival, Handicrafts Fair, and many street events are perfect for children. Just check for age restrictions at nighttime club events.
How can I confirm exact event dates?
For confirmation, visit each festival's official website or the Cartagena de Indias Travel portal about 2-3 months before the date.
Are there free event options in Cartagena?
Absolutely! Many events like Carnival (parades), free Hay Festival events, and street events are free. Cartagena knows that culture should be accessible to everyone.
Additional Resources and Official Links
To stay updated:
- Cartagena de Indias Travel: Official event calendar.
- Tuboleta: Ticket sales for many festivals.
- Social media: Follow hashtags like #Cartagena2026 or #FestivalesCartagena on Instagram and Twitter.
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Cartagena in 2026 is more than a destination; it's a journey through time and emotion. Each event is a story waiting to be lived. See you in the streets!
