Festival del Patacón in Cartagena: Dates, Participating Restaurants and Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

In Cartagena, the patacón is not just a side dish; it is the star of the plate, the reason to gather and a reflection of a cuisine that is respected. From October 9 to 11, 2026, Plaza de Variedades transforms into the heart of the third edition of the Festival del Patacón, an event that brings together traditional cooks, restaurants and local brands around this delicious green plantain delicacy. Admission is free and dish prices range between $10,000 and $35,000 COP, with options for all tastes. In this Malokal guide, you will find everything you need to know to make the most of this festival, what to try and how to combine it with the charm of Cartagena.

What the Festival del Patacón is and why Cartagena proclaims itself the world capital

This festival emerged as a tribute to home cooking: the kind made on a wood-fired stove, with green plantain mashed by hand and fried twice until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. In its third edition, the Festival del Patacón reaffirms a powerful idea: the patacón is the common thread of the Cartagena table, from the fried food stalls in the neighborhood to the white-tablecloth restaurants in the Centro Histórico.

The festival organization brings together cooks who have kept the recipe alive through generations, alongside young entrepreneurs who play with garnishes, sauces and presentations. This is not a fine dining competition, but a popular fair that breathes music, crafts and the warmth of conversation. If you are new to the city, keep in mind that here the patacón is enjoyed with queso costeño, hogao, shredded meat, shrimp, suero and, sometimes, just a touch of salt. Each family defends its version as the only true one.

Dates, venue and schedule of the food fair

The date is October 9, 10 and 11, 2026 at Plaza de Variedades, an open space that during these days will be filled with tents, kitchens and live music. The program includes food tastings, talks with traditional cooks and activities for the whole family. Schedules and details are published on the event's official channels, so it is a good idea to check before going, since the agenda may be adjusted.

Local tip: arrive early on the first day. The kitchens start with short lines and the patacones come out fresh. Keep in mind that Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days, especially after noon.

Participating restaurants and brands: what dishes and variations to try

In the 2026 edition, 16 participants are confirmed among traditional cooks, restaurants and local product brands. The complete list and the menus of each stand are updated in the official program, so check that before heading out. Meanwhile, here is a look at the exhibitors that are usually at the fair and what you can expect from each one:

Plaza de Variedades

This is the logistical core of the festival. During the three days, it functions as an open market where the patacón stands, live kitchens and the main stage are concentrated. Admission is free and each participant sets their own prices. It is a good starting point: take a moment to walk the perimeter and see what each stand offers before deciding where to line up. The plaza is in an urban area with easy access by taxi or motorcycle, and there is good public transport traffic.

Traditional neighborhood cooks

The soul of the festival. Women who have been frying plantain for decades set up their stall with the same seasoning as always. Here you can enjoy the classic patacón: green, double-fried, coarse salt and grated queso costeño on top. There are also versions with hogao, shredded meat and suero. Prices at these stands tend to be the most affordable at the fair. If you see a line, there is a reason: ask what they are selling before joining.