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 January 22, 2026
Based on recent official sources, we have updated confirmed dates, added new events like the Jazz Festival, and corrected details for Carnival and Hay 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 includes the Festival del Frito Cartagenero, with cultural and religious events. According to Caracol.
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
Location: Adolfo Mejía Theater, Convention Center, and other spaces
Address: Julio César Turbay Ayala Convention Center, Cartagena
Cost: Events from $20,000 COP; free events on January 31 and February 1 for Bolívar residents with ID, according to the official website
Details: With over 180 participants from 25 countries, includes talks, workshops, concerts, and readings on literature, music, and more. Community activities like the Ritmos de Libertad troupe and tribute to porro. Official website | View on Google Maps.
February: Cartagena Carnival and More Events
Cartagena Carnival
Dates: February 6 to 17, 2026 (confirmed)
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: Confirmed schedule: Children's show and Infant Queen election on February 6, Carnival Proclamation and Queen election on the 7th, Great Carnival Parade on February 10, children's events on the 11th and 12th, and finale with Don Carnal Parade and fireworks on February 13. Declared of Regional Tourist Interest. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Cumbia Festival
Dates: February 1 and 2, 2026
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: Expo Esports Colombia and Holy Week
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: Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI)
ℹ️ Important note (January 2026)
The complete official program for the Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI) 2026 has not been published yet. Check the official website for updates.
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)
Details: The 65th edition of the oldest film festival in Latin America, focusing on Ibero-American cinema and cultural democracy. Official website | View on Google Maps.
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: Cultural Events
For 2026, Cartagena has diverse cultural events. Check the official calendar for updates on June and other months' events.
July: Independence and Cultural Events
Cartagena celebrates its independence with various cultural events and activities. For 2026, there is no confirmed information about the "Sea Festival". We recommend checking the official calendar for updates on July events.
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: IRONMAN 70.3 and Theater Festival
IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena
Dates: September 6, 2026
Location: Cartagena beaches
Cost: Registration required
Details: A triathlon competition. Official website | View on Google Maps.
Cartagena Theater Festival
Dates: September 12-15, 2026 (estimated)
Location: Theaters and open-air spaces
Address: Various theaters in Historic Center, Cartagena
Cost: From $25,000 COP per play
Details: Local and international plays exploring social themes, with workshops for the community. Official website | View on Google Maps.
October: Salsa Festival and 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 31 to November 16, 2026 (confirmed)
Location: Isidoro Máiquez and Antera Baus halls of Auditorio El Batel
Cost: Passes from 125 euros for nine concerts
Details: 44th edition with artists like Morgan, Kandance Spring, Paquito D'Rivera, Gustavo Santaolalla, and tribute to Paco de Lucía. Organized by the Cartagena City Council. Official website | View on Google Maps.
November: Poetry Festival and Palenque
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 blend with the sea breeze. The Music Festival, with its theme "The Soul and the Body," transforms heritage venues into concert halls. The 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!
