Between January and February 2026, Cartagena de Indias will cease to be just a tourist destination and become a temple of words. The Hay Festival Cartagena 2026 arrives with its usual magic, that meeting where literature doesn't stay in books, but comes down to the squares, slips through balconies, and blends with the murmur of the Caribbean. It's not just a festival; it's a global conversation taking place in colonial courtyards, in front of centuries-old walls, and under skies that have witnessed centuries of stories.
Confirmed Dates, Venues, and Highlighted Program
The official dates place the festival between January 23 and 26, 2026. Four days where the city breathes literature. The venues, as every year, are part of the charm:
- Teatro Adolfo Mejía: Located on Calle de la Soledad, Historic Center. With its century-old acoustics and neoclassical architecture, it's one of Colombia's most iconic theaters. Official website | View on Google Maps
- Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española: Cl. 31 #2-45, Centro. With its courtyards that invite reflection, this cultural center offers intimate spaces for literary dialogues. Official website | View on Google Maps
- Plaza de la Aduana: Historic Center, between streets 32 and 33. Where free events open literature to everyone passing by, under Cartagena's open sky. View on Google Maps
The program, still under construction, promises dialogues, readings, workshops, and that space for the unexpected that defines Hay.
Confirmed Authors and Unmissable Events
Among the names that have already confirmed their attendance are:
- Juan Gabriel Vásquez: With his sharp perspective on Colombia and works like "The Sound of Things Falling"
- Leila Slimani: Exploring the boundaries of intimacy with novels like "Lullaby"
- Javier Cercas: Master of historical fiction with works like "Soldiers of Salamis"
Panels on literature and memory, talks about the future of the book, and meetings where local and global intertwine are expected. Unmissable events: the inaugural dialogue at Teatro Heredia, sunset readings on the city walls, and creative writing workshops for those who want to stop being just spectators.
Practical Tips: Tickets, Accommodation, Transportation
Tickets for paid events usually sell out months in advance. Official sales will begin in October 2025 through the Hay Festival website.
For accommodation, it's best to look in the historic center or Getsemaní, just steps away from the main venues. Recommended options:
- Boutique hotels: Like Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa (Cl. de la Mantilla #3-56) or Casa San Agustín (Cl. de la Universidad #36-44)
- Charming apartments: In Getsemaní, with prices starting from $150-300 USD per night during high season
Transportation within the walled city is best on foot; for longer distances, taxis or ride-sharing apps are efficient. A local tip: book early, because Cartagena during the festival is a magnet, and prices increase considerably.
Parallel Experiences and Recommended Activities
The Hay Festival is just the beginning. Take advantage to:
- Get lost in the streets of Getsemaní: Where street art dialogues with literature. Visit Plaza de la Trinidad at night to feel the local life.
- Visit the Bartolomé Calvo Library: Cl. de la Inquisición #33-43, to feel the weight of ancient books in a restored colonial building.
- Have a coffee at Plaza Santo Domingo: While reading one of the invited authors, surrounded by Botero's famous sculpture.
Free events, like open-air screenings or readings in squares, are an opportunity to experience the festival without a ticket. And don't forget that Cartagena, with its mix of history and sea, is the perfect stage for ideas to flow.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hay Festival Cartagena 2026
When do tickets go on sale?
Official ticket sales will begin in October 2025 through the Hay Festival website. It's recommended to subscribe to their newsletter to receive alerts.
Are there free events?
Yes, Plaza de la Aduana and other squares in the historic center usually host free events like public readings and open-air screenings.
What should I bring to the festival?
Light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, water, and of course, a book by one of the invited authors to get it signed.
Is it safe to move around Cartagena during the festival?
The historic center and Getsemaní are safe areas, especially during the day and event hours. As in any tourist city, it's recommended to keep an eye on personal belongings.
Subscribe to receive ticket sales alerts and program updates on the official Hay Festival website. This way you won't miss a single detail of this appointment that, more than an event, is a gift for the spirit.
