Experience the Barranquilla Carnival: Colombia's Ultimate Party with a Purpose

Ever wonder what it feels like to dive headfirst into a sea of colour, music, and joy? Well, wonder no more! The Barranquilla Carnival is calling your name, and it's not just any party—it's the biggest, boldest, and most boisterous celebration of Colombian folklore you'll ever witness. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible World Cultural Heritage event in 2008, this four-day fiesta, from March 1st to March 14th, 2025, is where the entire city of Barranquilla comes alive in a dazzling display of cultural pride, rhythm, and sheer exuberance.

Carnival: Where Tradition Meets Wild Celebration

A Carnival with a Crown: Leading the charge is none other than the Carnival Queen and the ever-entertaining King Momo, who kick off the festivities with a regal flair. Imagine being part of parades like the Battle of the Flowers, where vibrant floats, traditional dances, and lively music flood the streets. It’s as if the whole city decided to throw the most epic party ever—and you’re on the VIP list!

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (Because Everyone’s Dancing Too): And the most important festival in Colombia completely embodies the soul of Colombia.

It’s fun imagining how you would actually step across the stage and swing to the rhythmic movements of the dancers donned in intriguing costumes that speak about struggles, origins and lots, I mean LOTS of fun—looking at you Marimonda!

Get Dirty, Stay Happy: Pro tip: Don’t wear your Michael’s Sunday best. This carnival has a custom of throwing cornstarch, water and foam, so you are bound to be finished off in a lively work of art at the end of the day. And believe me, it’s awesome.

Insider Tips for the Ultimate Carnival Experience

Book Early, Party Hard: Considering the magnitude of this festivity, it is advisable to make hotel and parade bookings the very moment you finish reading this post. So forget about the places where you will sit to watch the parades and top class bed and breakfast places to take a rest after a whole day of fiesta. DMC Colombia have the perfect places in mind.

Get a taste of Barranquilla: And what better way to do it than by sampling the cuisine? There are also Arepa de huevos, to shrimp ceviche that you wouldn’t want to miss, so your tongue too is headed for a carnival of a different sort. Plus, take a day to explore the city or visit the museum to dive deeper into the history that makes this carnival so special.

Dress the Part: There is nothing better than being in comfortable and bright clothes. Bear in mind: you are going to be messy – but that is how fun the activity is! The more you embrace it, the more unforgettable your experience will be.

Beyond Barranquilla: Discover More

If you have some time to spare, I suggest you go to Usiacurí, a small but beautiful town a few kilometers from Barranquilla. This is also a beautiful place with colorful streets and local crafts to relax in after the carnivals goes wild.

So then, what are you waiting for? The Barranquilla Carnival is not for viewing but for living. This is the moment we have all been waiting for.  Make 2025 the year you join the party that Colombia is known for, and leave with memories (and maybe some cornstarch in your hair) that’ll last a lifetime.

Come Experience the Barranquilla Carnival —where those who live it truly enjoy it! Contact our Colombia DMC to plan your next trip. 

Our DMCs can assist with accommodation, (gala) dinners, meeting rooms, transport, team building and other options you need for your event