Feasts of Our Lady of Lourdes in Pasto: Cultural and Religious Itinerary 2026

What it is and context

If you walk through the center of Pasto in mid-February, you will notice something different. The streets smell of incense, white and blue flags hang from balconies, and entire families take turns carrying floats decorated with fresh flowers. It is not a rehearsal or a political act: it is the Feasts of Our Lady of Lourdes, the most heartfelt religious celebration in the capital of Nariño and one of the oldest in southeastern Colombia.

By August 2026, when you are reading this, the festival will have already passed (it is celebrated every year between February 11 and 15), but this article will serve as a roadmap for planning your visit to the next edition, or to understand what you saw if you arrived in Pasto on those dates. Devotion to the Virgin of Lourdes arrived in Pasto at the beginning of the 20th century, brought by religious communities that replicated the apparitions of the grotto of Massabielle, in France. What began as a simple mass in the chapel of the Las Lourdes neighborhood (yes, the neighborhood takes its name from the virgin) became one of the most well-attended celebrations on the department's Catholic calendar.

In 2026, the celebration marked 106 years of uninterrupted tradition, and the official program (confirmed by the Secretariat of Economic Development and Tourism of Pasto) included three days of activities that combined the religious with the cultural and gastronomic. If you are a devotee, you will find spaces for prayer and the procession. If you are a cultural tourist, you will find a perfect excuse to see Pasto in its most authentic state, far from the noise of the January carnival.

Event details: schedule and activities

The 2026 edition was held from February 13 to 15, with a particular emphasis on the participation of the city's rural and urban communities. Below is a breakdown of what was experienced, day by day, so you can get an idea of what to expect in the next edition:

Friday, February 13: Opening and horse parades

The day began at 8:00 in the morning with the traditional horse parades that departed from two emblematic points: El Pilar and Santa Fe. Hundreds of riders, many of them from neighboring municipalities such as Buesaco, Chachagüí, and El Tambo, rode through the city's main streets until reaching the temple. Do not be alarmed if you see horses on the road: it is part of the peasant tradition of honoring the virgin with the best they have.

In the afternoon, the first solemn Eucharist was held at the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, located in the neighborhood of the same name, on Carrera 27 with Calle 16. At nightfall, the program gave way to cultural expressions: folk dance groups, chirimías, and copleros took over the neighborhood's main park to liven up the evening.

Saturday, February 14: Main day and procession

This is the central day. From 10:00 in the morning, the streets around the temple were closed for the main procession. The image of the Virgin of Lourdes, a polychrome wooden carving from the late 19th century, traveled a route of approximately 3 kilometers along Carreras 27, 28, and 29, and Calles 15, 16, and 17. The faithful carry the image on their shoulders, taking turns every two blocks, while children dressed as little angels and women in white mantillas accompany the procession.

A curious fact that few outsiders know: during the procession, the inhabitants of the Lourdes neighborhood bring out homemade altars with flowers, candles, and photographs of sick relatives. It is a tradition that does not appear in any tourist brochure, but locals consider it the heart of the festival. If you pass by, do not take photos without asking permission; people receive you gladly, but it is a moment of reflection.

At night, the program included the serenade to the virgin, with string trios and Andean music, and a gastronomic showcase in the temple's square where typical dishes such as roasted guinea pig, fritada pastusa, and hornado could be tasted.

Sunday, February 15: Closing and community celebration

The last day began with the thanksgiving mass at 9:00 in the morning, presided over by the bishop of Pasto. Afterwards, the celebration moved to the Parque de las Lourdes (also known as Parque Infantil), where an arts and crafts and gastronomic fair was held with exhibitors from across the department. There you will find toquilla straw hats, wayuu backpacks, ceramics from La Cruz, and milk candies from Sandoná.

The closing was with popular music: wind bands, mariachis, and carranga groups took turns on stage until 6:00 in the afternoon. The idea, according to the organizers, is for people to "leave with a happy heart and a full stomach."

Parallel activities throughout the month

In addition to the three central days, throughout February novenas were held in the homes of the faithful and community masses in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you visit Pasto on any day in February, ask at the parish for the novena schedule; it is an intimate experience that you will not see on the mayor's office's social media.

Prices and how to get tickets

The good news: all religious activities are completely free. There is no ticketing for masses, processions, or serenades. You simply arrive, find a spot, and participate. The only "ticket" you will need is the willingness to walk and respect the timing of the celebration.

However, there are two things that do involve a cost:

• The arts and crafts and gastronomic fair (Sunday, February 15): food stalls have prices ranging from $8,000 COP for a glass of natural juice or a portion of queso de hoja, to $35,000 COP for a main course of fritada with mote and ají. Reference prices from February 2026, subject to change for the next edition.
• The horse parades: if you wish to participate as a rider, you must register in advance at the Secretariat of Economic Development and Tourism of Pasto (Carrera 25 with Calle 19, second floor). Registration is free, but the horse, saddle, and attire are your responsibility. It is recommended to verify the requirements directly with the entity.

For people who want a privileged spot to watch the procession, locals recommend arriving at least an hour in advance and positioning yourself on Calle 16 between Carreras 27 and 28, where the procession makes a curve and the bearers must carefully turn the image. It is the most photogenic spot and allows you to see the details of the floats up close.

How to get there

Pasto is an easily accessible city, but you need to plan ahead. These are the real options:

By plane

The Antonio Nariño Airport (located in Chachagüí, about 35 minutes from the center) receives daily flights from Bogotá (Avianca and Latam operate the route), Cali, and Medellín. From the airport, a taxi to the Lourdes neighborhood costs between $40,000 and $50,000 COP (reference prices from August 2026). There is also an intermunicipal bus service that drops you off at the Pasto Terminal for $8,000 COP, but if you come with a large suitcase, the taxi is more practical.

By bus

If you come from the north (Cali or Bogotá), the companies Expreso Bolivariano and Coomotor have direct routes to Pasto. The trip from Cali takes about 8 hours and costs between $80,000 and $120,000 COP. From Bogotá, it is 18 hours and prices range between $150,000 and $200,000 COP. From Ipiales (border with Ecuador), the trip is 2 hours and costs around $25,000 COP.

Within the city

The Lourdes neighborhood is a 15-minute walk from Parque Nariño (the historic center). If you are staying downtown, you can walk without a problem. If you come by car, keep in mind that the roads around the temple close from 7:00 in the mo

Tips for attendees

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