Colombia’s Barranquilla Carnival 2026 is already shaping up, with a program featuring more than 800 free events included in its official agenda.
This festival, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is not only a spectacle of color and music, but also a collective experience where tradition, neighborhood life, and memory meet on every corner of the city.
For those planning to experience it for the first time — or to relive it — this guide brings together the must-see events and some practical tips to enjoy the celebration safely and fully.
Must-see events that define the spirit of the Barranquilla Carnival
The festivities begin with the pre-carnival season, which started on Jan. 17 with the traditional Reading of the Bando, but the main celebration takes place between Feb. 14 and 17, 2026.
One of the most anticipated moments is La Guacherna Estercita Forero, held on Feb. 6. This nighttime parade officially ignites the festive atmosphere. With lanterns, dance troupes, music, and neighbors dancing in the streets, it is the perfect introduction to how the entire city transforms.
@carnavalbaq ¡DE HOY EN 1 MES: #GUACHERNA2025!🎉🤩 La ciudad se iluminará con nuestro desfile nocturno más emblemático de la Fiesta, que en este año le enseñará al mundo que #EnBarranquillaSeBailaAsí.💃🏼✨ 🗓️Agéndate, nos vemos el próximo 22 de febrero, después de los dos conciertos de nuestra querida @Shakira.😍🤭 #Carnaval2025 #QuienLoViveEsQuienLoGoza #Barranquilla #parati ♬ Hips Don't Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean) – Shakira
On Feb. 14 comes the most iconic event: The Battle of Flowers, the central parade, and the most representative image of the Carnival. Floats, queens, folkloric groups, and traditional dances turn Via 40 street into a human river of joy. That same day, the King Momo Parade takes place, celebrating the popular king of the Carnival who embodies the people’s festive spirit.
@carnavalbaq ¡Arrancó la #BatallaDeFlores 2023! 💃🏻🪘🌺 #CarnavalDeBarranquilla ♬ sonido original – Carnaval De Barranquilla
For those seeking pure tradition, the Festival of Letanias on Feb. 15, in Barrio Abajo, features improvised verses filled with humor, social commentary, and popular wisdom. Also noteworthy are the Grand Parade of Tradition and the Grand Parade of Comparsas on Feb. 15 and 16, where both ancestral dances and contemporary performances shine.
Traditional music takes center stage at La Noche del Rio on Feb. 12, an event that highlights Afro and Indigenous heritage through drums, gaitas, and cumbia rhythms. In addition, different editions of Noche de Tambo in neighborhoods such as Carrizal, Las Malvinas, and La Paz bring percussion straight to the heart of local communities.
The official closing of the Carnival comes with the Joselito Parade on Feb. 17, a symbolic farewell that blends satire, popular humor, and tradition.
@vale.charris AYYY JOSEEEEE!!!! Por qué te me fuisteeeee?? Ahora me toca esperar un año para volverte a verrrr Joseeeee!!! 🖤🖤🪦🙏🏼🎉
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Beyond the parades: culture for everyone
The program also includes neighborhood music events, children’s activities in parks, cultural workshops, oral tradition gatherings, and academic forums on heritage and sustainability.
Spaces such as Carnavalada, at Parque Sagrado Corazon from Feb. 14 to 16, offer street theater and comedy performances perfect for families.
Tips to enjoy the celebration
To experience the Carnival comfortably and safely, authorities and organizers recommend:
- Wear light, comfortable clothing, preferably cotton, along with a hat or cap and closed shoes.
- Stay well hydrated to bear with the heat and long hours outdoors.
- Arrive early to major events, as open spaces fill up quickly.
- Use public transportation or designated routes to avoid traffic congestion.
- Carry some cash, but avoid large sums or valuable items.
- Do not bring large bags and always keep personal belongings in sight.
- Stay in groups for safety and easier coordination in crowded areas.
- Respect the culture and traditions — and above all, dance even if you don’t know how. In Barranquilla, joy is shared.