Event· Barranquilla· Other Caribbean
Carnaval de Barranquilla (four days before Ash Wednesday)
10° 57.8′ N · 74° 47.8′ W
Colombia's biggest party and a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage: four days of costumed dance groups, the Batalla de Flores float parade and the Gran Parada on Barranquilla's Vía 40, about 70 miles up the coast from Cartagena.
Practical
Position is Barranquilla city (Wikipedia). Held on the four days before Ash Wednesday: 14–17 February in 2026; by the same rule 6–9 February in 2027 (Ash Wednesday is 10 February 2027). Highlights: Batalla de Flores on the Saturday ('the most important and most expected event'), Gran Parada de Tradición y Folclor on the Sunday, both on the Vía 40 industrial avenue. Inscribed by UNESCO on 7 November 2003. Getting there: go by road, not by boat - Club Náutico's guide describes Barranquilla as 70 miles northeast of Cartagena with coach service from Cartagena's bus terminal, and Noonsite has long advised yachts to avoid the Magdalena river mouth off Barranquilla. Leave the boat in the Manga anchorage or a marina with someone keeping an eye on it. Expect sold-out buses and hotels; book grandstand seats ahead.
Best for
A road trip to the Caribbean's wildest carnival
Season
February or early March (moves with Easter)
Nearby
- Volcán del Totumo Mud-Volcano Tour29.4 NM away
- Convento de la Popa (Cerro de La Popa)54 NM away
- Mercado de Bazurto (Cartagena City Market)54.2 NM away
- Cartagena Marine Suppliers (Budget Marine, Lalizas, Ferremarina & Pie de la Popa)54.4 NM away
- Jumbo & Caribe Plaza Mall (Pie de la Popa)54.4 NM away
- Migración Colombia Office (Pie de la Popa)54.4 NM away
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas54.5 NM away
- Marina Rosales (Puente de Bazurto)54.5 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).