Secret Events in Cartagena: Poetry Nights at the Claustro de la Merced

The Rumor of Clandestine Readings at the Claustro

In Cartagena, everyone knows the walls, the Castillo de San Felipe, and Café del Mar at sunset. But there is a Cartagena that does not appear in tourist guides, that hides behind centuries-old wooden doors and only reveals itself to those who know how to ask. I am talking about the poetry nights at the Claustro de la Merced, a secret event that has been taking place for years inside a 17th-century convent, where candlelight and corozo wine are the only witnesses to verses that travel from the Caribbean to the world.

If you are reading this, you have probably already heard the rumor in some bar in Getsemaní or in a whispered conversation in the Plaza de la Trinidad. "There is a place where they read poetry at midnight, by invitation only." It is not an urban legend. It exists. And in June 2026, it remains one of the city's best-kept secrets.

History: How This Poetry Cycle Was Born in a 17th-Century Convent

The Claustro de la Merced, located in the Centro Histórico, was originally a convent of the Mercedarian order built in 1610. Its coral stone walls have seen everything from friars to pirates, through Independence and the tourism boom. But it was in 2018 when a group of local poets, tired of formal literary events and book presentations in five-star hotels, decided to reclaim the space for something more intimate.

The idea was simple: once a month, under the full moon, gather in the cloister to read original poetry. No microphones, no spotlights, no massive audience. Just the voice, the echo among the arches, and the sound of clapping when a verse managed to give goosebumps. The first gathering had seven attendees. Today, although the number is still limited, the call fills up in hours.

What makes this cycle unique is its clandestine nature. There is no website, no public social media. The invitation is passed by word of mouth, or through WhatsApp messages that reach selected contacts. The organizers, a self-managed collective that calls itself "Versos de Cal y Canto," ensure that the event does not become another tourist spectacle. Here you do not come to see, you come to feel.

The Experience: A Typical Night of Verses, Corozo Wine, and Candles

Arriving at the Claustro de la Merced on a full moon Thursday is like entering another era. The entrance is not marked; it is a side door on Calle de la Merced, almost imperceptible, which only opens at 8:00 p.m. Upon crossing the threshold, the city's bustle disappears. The cloister is lit only by candles placed in the quarry stone arches, and in the center of the courtyard there is a small wooden stage where a standing microphone awaits.

The attendees—about 40 or 50 people—sit on cushions and wicker chairs arranged in a circle. There is no printed program. The organizer, a Cartagena poet with a deep voice named Javier, welcomes everyone with a glass of corozo wine in hand and announces: "Tonight, the first verse is for whoever asks for it."

The dynamic is free. Anyone can go up to read, from established poets to tourists who have never written a poem in their life. The only thing asked is respect and silence during the readings. I have seen a Spanish woman cry while reading a poem about her grandmother, and a fisherman from la Boquilla recite décimas about the Caribbean Sea that left everyone speechless. Between readings, corozo wine (an artisanal fermented drink made from the typical fruit of the region) and snacks of coastal cheese with tamarind candy are served.

The event lasts until people get tired, but never beyond 1:00 a.m. At the end, some stay to chat in the cloister, exchanging contacts and promising to return. No photos, no selfies. It is an unwritten rule: what happens at the poetry night, stays at the poetry night.

What makes this experience special?

• Absolute intimacy: There are no more than 50 people, allowing a real connection between readers and listeners.
• Corozo wine: An artisanal drink you won't find in tourist bars. Its bittersweet flavor is the perfect companion for poetry.
• The space: The Claustro de la Merced has an impressive natural acoustic. The voice travels through the corridors as if the building itself wanted to listen.
• The community: You meet real Cartageneros, not vueltiao hat sellers. People who love letters and local culture.

How to Get There: Access by Invitation Only or Contact with the Local Literary Community

Here is the trick: you cannot buy tickets online. There is no Facebook event or Eventbrite entry. To attend the poetry nights at the Claustro de la Merced, you need a direct invitation from the organizers or from someone who has already been.

How to get one? There are three ways:

1. Connect with the local literary community: Go to the bookstore Ábaco Libros in the Centro (Calle de la Iglesia, near the Plaza de la Aduana). Ask about poetry events. The owners know the organizers and sometimes have physical invitations.
2. Attend previous events: The Versos de Cal y Canto collective organizes occasional open readings at Plaza de la Trinidad or at Café Havana (Getsemaní). If you go and introduce yourself, they will likely invite you to the cloister.
3. Ask at Hostal Casa de la Factoría: This boutique hostel in Getsemaní is known for attracting cultural travelers. The receptionist, a young man named Andrés, usually has information about upcoming dates. He might give you Javier's WhatsApp number if he likes you.

Important: do not insist or seem like a desperate tourist. The community is protective of its space. If you show genuine interest in poetry and Cartagena culture, the doors will open by themselves.

The cloister is on Calle de la Merced, two blocks from the Plaza de Bolívar. There is no signage. The exact address is Carrera 4 # 36-41, but the entrance is on the side. If you reach the main facade of the Claustro de la Merced (today the headquarters of the Universidad de Cartagena), walk to the left until you find a dark wooden door with no number. That is it.

Local Tips: Best Dates and How to Connect with the Organizers

Best dates to attend

• Full moon: The event is always scheduled on the Thursdays closest to the full moon. The natural light adds to the candles and creates a magical atmosphere. Check the 2026 lunar calendar: the next full moons are July 1, July 31, August 29, September 28, and October 27.
• Avoid high season: December, January, and Holy Week are chaotic in Cartagena. The organizers sometimes cancel or reduce capacity. It is better to go between February and November, avoiding holiday weekends.
• Arrive early: The door opens at 8:00 p.m., but seats fill up quickly. If you arrive after 8:30 p.m., you might not find a spot. There are no reservations.

How to connect with the organizers

• Instagram: Although the event has no public account, Javier manages a personal profile (@javierpoeta_cartagena) where he sometimes posts verses. Send him a direct message with respect, introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in poetry. Do not ask for an invitation right away; first show genuine interest.
• Open events: The collective organizes an "Open Mic" every last Friday of the month at Bar La Casa de las Palmas (Getsemaní, Carrera 10 # 29-12). Go, listen, participate. It is the best way to meet Javier and the rest of the group.
• Do not pay: If someone offers to sell you a ticket, it is fake. The event is free and self-managed. The only costs are the corozo wine (optional, about $5,000 COP per glass) and the snacks (voluntary donation).

What to bring

• Mosquito repellent (the cloister has gardens and mosquitoes appear).
• A light jacket (nights in Cartagena can be cool, especially near the sea).
• A poem of your own, if you feel like reading. No pressure, but it is welcome.
• Cash (they do not accept cards for wine or donations).

Fun fact: the organizers keep a notebook where each attendee can write a farewell verse. That notebook, according to Javier, has poems from over 200 people from 30 countries. It is a living archive of contemporary poetry in Cartagena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really secret or just exclusive?

It is more exclusive than secret. It is not hidden for those who know how to look, but the organizers avoid mass publicity to preserve the event's intimacy. If you ask in the right literary circles, you will find out. But do not expect to find flyers on the street.

Can I go alone or do I need a companion?

You can go alone. In fact, many attendees arrive alone and end up talking to strangers. The atmosphere is welcoming and people are open. If you are shy, sit near the center of the circle; someone will talk to you.

Is there any hidden cost or membership?

# The event is free. The corozo wine and snacks are offered for a voluntary donation (they suggest $10,000 COP if you consume). There is no membership, no fee, no official waiting list. Just respect for the space and poetry.

What happens if I arrive and they don't let me in?

If you arrive without an invitation, you will likely not be let in. Security is informal: someone from the collective checks that you are on the guest list. If you are not, you can try to talk to Javier or another organizer, but they do not guarantee anything. That is why it is better to contact them beforehand.

Are there similar events in other neighborhoods of Cartagena?

Yes, in Getsemaní there is a poetry cycle called "Versos en la Plaza" that takes place in the Plaza de la Trinidad every 15 days, but it is more open and less intimate. Also in the Barrio San Diego, the bookstore La Casa del Poeta organizes readings on Saturdays. But none have the magic of the Claustro de la Merced.

What to do

Claustro de la Merced

This is the place where the Poetry Nights come to life. Every week, local poets and poets from other parts of the world gather in this ancient cloister that was once part of a convent. The atmosphere is intimate and magical, ideal for enjoying poetry in a historic setting. Insider Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a local craft beer at the bar right next to the cloister, where emerging art exhibitions are also often held.

Plaza de la Trinidad

A vibrant space where the community gathers to enjoy live music, dance, and, of course, poetry. Here, during sunset, you can find artists sharing their works in a festive atmosphere. Insider Tip: Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy a picnic while listening to local poets; the energy is contagious.

Casa de la Cultura de Cartagena

This is a landmark for cultural events in the city. The Casa de la Cultura hosts workshops, readings, and poetry presentations that are often free. Insider Tip: Check their monthly calendar on social media so you don't miss special events, like open mic nights where anyone can share their poetry.

...

Where to eat or drink

La Casa de la Cerveza

An ideal place to enjoy a wide variety of local craft beers. La Casa de la Cerveza offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for sharing with friends after a cultural event. Insider Tip: Try the soursop beer, a unique creation that highlights the tropical flavors of the region.

El Bar de los Fundadores

Located in the historic center, this bar is known for its bohemian atmosphere and its selection of cocktails made with local ingredients. It is a perfect spot to relax before or after the Poetry Nights. Insider Tip: Don't miss their passion fruit cocktail, which is an explosion of freshness and a representation of Caribbean flavor.

...