What it is and context
Did you know that the aroma of melted panela, grated coconut, and boiling cinnamon is one of the hallmarks of Holy Week in Cartagena? For sixteen years, the Festival del Dulce y la Comida Típica Cartagenera has transformed the historic center into a celebration of the Caribbean Colombian confectionery tradition. In 2026, the XVI edition takes over the Plaza de los Coches —yes, the same one with the famous vaults and the Portal de los Dulces— from April 1 to 30. Mark those dates on your calendar because this event is coming in full force!
It's not just another food fair. This festival pays homage to the recipes that our Cartagena grandmothers have kept alive for generations, many of which were born in the city's colonial convents. The Poor Clare and Dominican nuns were pioneers in making sweets with tropical fruits and brown sugar, and that heritage is felt at every stall in Plaza de los Coches.
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If you're a tourist, this is your chance to delight in unique flavors you won't find anywhere else. And if you're a local, it's the perfect opportunity to relive those childhood sweets. Plus, walking, eating, and enjoying Caribbean culture here is accessible to everyone. Don't miss out on trying the dulce de ñame con coco before it runs out!
Event details: dates, location, and program
The XVI Festival del Dulce y la Comida Típica Cartagenera 2026 is held every day from April 1 to 30, with extended hours from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. This means you can come for lunch, a snack, or dinner, and you'll always find stalls ready to serve you.
Main location: Plaza de los Coches
The main venue is the Plaza de los Coches, an iconic spot in the walled center, right next to the Torre del Reloj. It's the first place you'll see when entering the walled city, so it's impossible to miss!
The square holds immense historical value: during colonial times, it was the market where slaves and goods were sold. Today, it's a tourist and cultural meeting point that, during the festival, becomes a bustling market of traditional sweets with wooden stalls inviting exploration.
Parallel activities
The festival isn't just about food; there are plenty of activities waiting for you:
- Live demonstrations of sweet-making, don't miss how they make the caballito de coco or the torta de plátano!
- Performances of traditional Caribbean music, from drums to gaitas, filling the atmosphere with joy.
- Walks with the Queen of Independence and other Carnival figures, who will enjoy with attendees and share smiles.
- Best sweet contests where local participants compete for recognition of their family recipes. Cheer for your favorites!
- Cooking workshops for kids and adults, where you'll learn to make basic sweets. Spots are limited, so don't hesitate to sign up!
Remember that the festival coincides with Holy Week. During these days, Cartagena locals typically avoid red meat on Good Friday, making sweets and typical dishes the main sustenance. Take advantage to stock up on delicious treats!
Traditional sweets you can't miss
And here's where the adventure truly begins: if you go to the festival hungry, you'll leave happy! But if you don't know what to order, you might feel overwhelmed by so many options. So here's a list of the must-tries:
Coconut sweets
Coconut is the undisputed king of Cartagena's confectionery. At the festival, you'll find:
- Cocadas: the classic white sweet of grated coconut and sugar, baked until golden on the outside and soft inside. Try the different varieties: traditional, with pineapple, or chocolate.
- Caballito de coco: a delight in the shape of a lollipop or coconut bar with panela, perfect for a snack. Its texture is firm but chewy.
- Dulce de coco con papaya: a combination that sounds strange but is pure magic. Green papaya is cooked with coconut and panela until it becomes a thick, shiny mixture.
Tropical fruit sweets
Cartagena is a land rich in fruits, and the festival proves it:
- Dulce de papaya: probably the most famous. Green papaya is cut into strips and cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, resulting in a translucent, aromatic sweet.
- Dulce de ñame con coco: a flavor that surprises tourists. Yam is cooked with coconut and panela until it forms a sweet, creamy paste you can't miss.
- Dulce de mango: available in green or ripe mango versions, with ginger or cinnamon. Delicious!
- Dulce de guayaba: whether as a paste or bocadillos, don't forget to ask for it with costeño cheese if you dare.
- Dulce de tamarindo: sweet and sour, ideal for those seeking something less cloying.
Typical accompanying dishes
Although the festival is called "del dulce," there's also room for traditional savory Holy Week food:
- Arroz de lisa: a typical Lenten dish made with dried fish and coconut rice. A delight!
- Bollo limpio and bollo de yuca: corn or cassava doughs wrapped in corn husks, perfect with costeño suero.
- Carimañolas: cassava croquettes stuffed with meat or cheese that you can't miss.
- Arepa de huevo: the famous fried arepa stuffed with egg, found on every corner in Cartagena.
Traditional drinks
To balance all that sweetness, nothing better than:
- Agua de coco: cold and refreshing, straight from the coconut.
- Jugo de corozo: a typical red fruit of the Colombian Caribbean, with a tangy, delicious flavor you'll love.
- Limonada de coco: a perfect combination of creaminess and acidity.
- Avena fría con hielo: the Cartagena version of oatmeal, more liquid and refreshing than in other regions!
Prices and how to get tickets
The best news is that entry is completely free. You don't need to buy a ticket or reserve a table. Simply arrive at Plaza de los Coches, walk among the stalls, and enjoy whatever you crave.
Sweet prices vary by stall and portion size. Here's a reference for this edition:
- Individual sweets (cocadas, caballitos, dulce de papaya in small portions): between $3,000 and $8,000 COP.
- Larger portions or special sweets (like ñame con coco): between $8,000 and $15,000 COP.
- Typical food dishes (arroz de lisa, bollos, carimañolas): between $10,000 and $20,000 COP.
- Drinks (agua de coco, natural juices): between $5,000 and $10,000 COP.
These prices are indicative and may vary, so bring cash in small denominations, as some stalls don't have card machines. Don't forget to compare prices—competition is good, and you might find better deals!
How to get there
The Plaza de los Coches is in the heart of the historic center, so getting there is very easy from any point in the city.
From the Historic Center or Getsemaní
If you're staying in the center or in Getsemaní, the best option is to walk. The square is just minutes away, and the vibrant atmosphere will accompany you along the way.
Tips for attendees
Cafetería del Dulce
Insider Tip: This place is ideal for trying a variety of sweets in one spot. Don't miss the "Cocadas" and pair them with a good Colombian coffee. On weekends, they often have live music, adding a festive atmosphere perfect for enjoying with friends and family.
La Casa del Dulce
Insider Tip: Here you can watch artisans working on sweet preparation. Ask about the "Mora en Almibar," a sweet that's not only delicious but also has a rich history behind it. Plus, if you arrive early, there are special promotions on multi-item purchases.
Mercado de Bazurto
Insider Tip: A less touristy spot, but ideal for finding less commercial traditional sweets. Here you can negotiate with vendors and try "Bocadillo" straight from the source. It's an authentic experience that connects you with local culture, so don't hesitate to interact with the vendors.
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