Your Essential Guide to Barranquilla Carnival
This is your essential guide to experiencing the best of Barranquilla Carnival! From where to find the best parties, parades, dates events, accommodation and more!
When is Barranquilla Carnival 2024?
Barranquilla Carnival is officially celebrated for four days each year before the onset of Lent beginning on the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday and running until Shrove Tuesday.
Carnival season in Barranquilla officially begins as soon as Christmas is over, because like Christmas it is more than four days, it’s a season. Barranquilla Carnival is split into three parts, carnival preparations, pre-carnival and lastly carnival!
When is the 2024 Barranquilla Carnival? The 2024 Barranquilla Carnival will take place between Saturday, February 10 until Tuesday, February 13, 2024. However, it should be noted that there are loads of pre-carnival events and parties in the lead up to the official carnival days.
Where is Barranquilla?
The city of Barranquilla is situated on the north side of Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is the fourth largest city in Colombia with a population of around 1.2million.
For a city that hosts the second largest carnival in the world, Barranquilla is practically unknown outside of Colombia. Most people don’t know that this fairly quiet port city in Colombia’s Caribbean coast is home to such a large event.
It is pretty easy to get to Barranquilla, which is only a 1.5-hour flight from Medellin, or a quick bus ride from Cartagena, Santa Marta and Medellin.
Barranquilla Carnival South America’s Second Biggest Carnival
Carnival celebrations are a cornerstone of Latin American countries. Barranquilla Carnival or Carnaval de Barranquilla claims to be the second biggest carnival in the world!! It is certainly the second biggest carnival in Latin America, second only to the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
The Barranquilla Carnival is a beautiful expression and fusion of cultures that are found on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Barranquilla Carnival shows off exactly what makes Colombia so one-of-a-kind!
Barranquilla Carnival hosts several events and celebrations like street parties, costumed parades, traditional music concerts and balls. The highlight of Barranquilla Carnival is the famous Battle of Flowers Parade which draws large crowds from all over.
Barranquilla Carnival Main Events Schedule 2024
Here are the dates for the key events at Barranquilla Carnival in 2024.
Saturday Carnival – February 10, 2024
- The Famous Battle of Flowers known as Batalla de Flores: Taking place down Via 40. This six-hour parade features thousands of performers and musicians and of course the famous floats decorated in flowers.
- King Momo Parade: Occurring on 17th Street, it features the carnival protagonist King Momo.
- Street Dancing: This is an event where gastronomy, music and delicious food meet. There are also performances from music and folkloric groups.
Sunday Carnival – February 11, 2024
- Gran parada de tradición: This is another parade that makes its way down Via 40. It features traditional folkloric comparsas and dances from genres like cumbia, garabato and mapalé to name a few.
- Orchestra Festival: This is one of the highlights of carnival and one of the most anticipated events of carnival. The Musical Groups compete to win the Congo de Oro. The festival brings together incredible local, national and even international musicians to Barranquilla.
- Baila a la Calle / Night of Orchestras: Another amazing event where food, arts and crafts come together. There are also presentations of musicians and folklore.
- Festival of letanías
- Comedy Event
- Great parade of safeguarding and the Carlos Franco tradition
Monday Carnival – February 12, 2024
- Gran Parada de Comparsas: Another parade takes place on Via 40. This parade features traditional and fantasy groups that fuse the sounds and cultures of many different cultures including the Caribbeans, Africans and Brazilians.
- Baila a la Calle/Noche de tambó: an event where music, gastronomy, and crafts come together in the same place to offer a show of joy. Presentations of musical groups, folklore, and litanies are made.
- Comedy Event
- Safeguard Children in the Carnival
Tuesday Carnival: February 13, 2024
- Joselito’s Burial: This celebration closes the carnival. A parade is held on 84 Street where spectators pretend to mourn the death of carnival mascot Joselito.
What is the History of Carnival in Barranquilla?
What Is the History of Carnival in Barranquilla? Carnival was introduced to Colombia when the Spanish colonized the Americas. Barranquilla Carnival is a pre-Lenten carnival and the first official Barranquilla Carnival was held by the city in 1903.
However, the origins of Barranquilla Carnival and its traditions are much older. While the exact origins are not known, many of the traditions and celebrations stem from Indigenous Pagan Celebrations that were held to welcome the spring and celebrate fertility.
The Catholic Church allowed the Indigenous People to keep their pagan celebrations, so long as they gave them Christian meaning. Therefore, the long held pagan celebrations were now celebrated under the guise of Christianity before Lent.
Barranquilla Carnival began to really flourish in the 18th Century becoming larger and larger and a notable date was when the Barranquilla Carnival King or King Momo was first appointed in 1888. In the 1900s, the Battle of the Flowers and the Carnival Queen was created. The Great Parade was introduced in 1967.
A Fusion of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast Cultures
What really sets Barranquilla Carnival apart is the fact that today it is a melting pot of cultural influences that represents the diversity of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast population.
Barranquilla was a port city that was built on the foundation of European, African and Indigenous cultures and this is all reflected in its carnival celebrations. Over 13 Colombian artistic expressions that are carried out by around 650 cultural and ethnical groups.
The Indigenous Communities and the Afro-Colombian communities saw the carnival celebrations as an event in which they could showcase their own cultures, beliefs, and traditions by displaying them in the carnival atmosphere.
Carnival in Barranquilla has such a rich ethnic diversity, its traditions and celebrations are a fusion of European, Caribbean, African and the Indigenous tradition. All these cultures are represented through their dance, music, clothing and foods.
Barranquilla Carnival’s rich diversity and historic traditions are what make it so unique and it is for this reason that in 2003, UNESCO named Barranquilla Carnival as a Masterpieces of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Barranquilla Pre-Carnival
Carnival in Barranquilla is the highlight of the year, and during carnival preparations the entire city is overtaken with the carnival spirit. Everyone is in a festive mood and lots of drinking, dancing, singing, wearing costumes and fun is being had.
The whole city is decorated for carnival. The main carnival characters make up the bulk of the decorations, but there are also plenty of colored streamers, decorations, tropical flowers and the city’s colors of black, red, green and yellow adorn houses, cars, shopping malls and supermarkets.
With the city officially decorated for Carnival, the pre-carnival season. During the pre-Carnival season there are also plenty of events and parades happening all over the city. You can feel the carnival energy beginning to build.
There are two main events, the first is the Izada de la Bandera which is where the Carnival Queen is crowned. The second is La Lecutra del Bando, where the Mayor of Barranquilla delivers the keys of the city, and the Carnival Queen declares Barranquilla an “empire of happiness” and reads the carnival rules of what is and isn’t allowed during carnival.
Here are some of the most popular pre-carnival events:
- The Coronation of Carnival Queen: Beginning in the month of August, the year prior to carnival, the Carnival Queen is chosen from local Barranquilla women. It is considered a huge honor to be Carnival Queen and be an ambassador for carnival. The show is beautiful and artistic and features an international orchestra.
- La Lecutra del Bando: The Mayor delivers the key to the city.
- La Guacherna: an amazing costumed night parade that is illuminated with lanterns, compras and performers.
- Festival of Tradition: This is a folkloric event.
- Festival of Orchestras: This is one of the most exciting and popular events featuring incredible musical groups both domestically and abroad, who all compete to win the Golden Congo.
- Baila a la Calle: This translates to Dance on the street which is a magical event filled with music, Colombian food and art all combined in one place. Colombian Folkloric Groups put on musical and dance performances.
- Gay Parade: To highlight how inclusive this carnival is, there is a gay parade which is always a lot of fun.
- Children’s Carnival: This is a kids parade that lets kids enjoy the fun of carnival too, it is even led by its own children’s carnival king and queen.
- Elderly Carnival: You are never too old to enjoy carnival!
- Guacherna Fluvial: Along the Magdalena River you will find lots of boats that have been beautifully decorated with carnival motifs, and enlivened with live music.
- Arts Carnival: Local artwork is put on display and it also has some international artists as special guests.
- Night by the River: Traditional songs from riverside towns that run alongside the Magdalena River can be enjoyed.
- The Sirenato de la Cumbia: This highlights the amazing dancers of this region who put on beautiful shows of folklore.
- Popular Queens Reign: Each neighborhood chooses a queen to represent them in the competition to find the popular queen.
Whoever Lives It Are the Ones Who Enjoys It!
The Barranquilla Carnival motto is “quien lo vive es quien lo goza”, which translates as “those who live it are the ones who enjoy it”! This motto embodies the Colombian carnival spirit of letting loose during the carnival.
For four days the whole city of Barranquilla shuts down and the whole city is engulfed in carnival festivities. Everyone lets loose and gives in to the carnival celebrations. Carnival in Barranquilla is all about forgetting your worries for a few days and just celebrating life.
Be Prepared to Dance Cumbia
If Argentina is known for its Salsa, then Colombia is famous for its cumbia, and Barranquilla Carnival is all about music and dance. Speakers sit on every corner, in every shop, bar and restaurant blasting Colombian music at full volume.
Other forms of Colombian music like porro, gaita, and puya also fill the air, but Cumbia is King! So, it’s worth practicing a few moves before you arrive in Barranquilla, because you will not get away with refusing to dance.
Cumbia first began as a courtship dance that was practiced by the African populations in the Caribbean coasts of Colombia. It evolved mixing with European instruments, steps and musical characteristics, and spread all over Colombia.
Barranquilla Carnival Main Events
The Battle of Flowers
Barranquilla Carnival begins with The Battle of Flowers (La Batalla de Flores) which is one of the largest, most popular and oldest parades of the carnival.
The Battle of Flowers is an explosion of sound, color and movement and the most important cultural event at Barranquilla Carnival. Thousands of dancers and performers participate in the event and 2 million people attend the event including Colombia’s President.
The Battle of Flowers is a six-hour show that is full of the most elaborate and colorful floats, amazing costumes, folk dancing, fire breathers and live music. The Barranquilla Carnival Queen presides over the event which officially opens the Barranquilla Carnival.
The Battle of the Flowers parade is such a popular event, that it is essential to pre-buy tickets because it sells out quickly, and if you don’t buy a ticket to sit in one of the stands, then you will find it virtually impossible to find a spot to watch the parade.
The floats are decorated in flowers. The parade is presided over by King Momo and the Carnival Queen. They are surrounded by thousands of dancers and different orchestras and comparsas groups.
The Great Parade
For the next following two days Sunday and Monday carnival in Barranquilla hosts several more street parties and parades. While the parades are not as popular as the Battle of the Flowers, they are still worth watching.
The Great Parade of Tradition (La Gran Parada de Tradicion) occurs on the Sunday of Barranquilla Carnival, this parade is about interpreting the region’s history through dance, costumes and music.
The Grand Parade of Dance Groups (Gran Parada de Comparsas) is held on carnival Monday which sees different dance groups compete against each other for the prestigious title of best group. The parade showcases a range of Colombian dances like cumbia, mapale, salsa, merecumbe and merengue to name a few.
The Festival of Orchestras
Another extremely popular event is the Orchestra Festival held on the Monday of Barranquilla Carnival. The Festival of Orchestras is about showcasing the music and rhythms from Colombia and the Caribbean.
The Festival of Orchestras is held in Romelio Martinez Stadium and has been held annually ever since it first began in 1960. The Orchestra Festival begins in the early afternoon and runs all through the night, finishing early Tuesday Morning.
The winner of the popular Festival of Orchestras is awarded the prestigious prize of the “Golden Congo”, as well as nationwide adoration and fame.
Great Parade of Comparsas
This parade is an international version of the Great Parade and has also been called the “Great Fantasy Parade”. It features innovative choreographic mixtures. Which blends samba, salsa, reggaetón and electronic music with local musical styles like mapalé porro and of course cumbia!
Picos – The Colombian Street Parties!
Carnival is one big massive party for the Colombians! Prepare yourself because the Colombians know how to have a good time and party, and the best parties are free!
The best parties in Barranquilla are the local ones that take place in neighborhoods throughout the city, and they don’t stop for the entirety of the carnival, these street parties are called Picos.
The Barranquilla Picos are legendary with giant sound systems and DJs everywhere you look pumping out the tunes, it’s not hard to join a Pico. You don’t need to make any plans, just wander around Barranquilla and wherever you go, you will find a party without even trying.
The Death of Joselito
The final day of Barranquilla Carnival which is Shrove Tuesday the carnival finishes with the Joselito se va con las Cenizas which means, the Death of Joselito.
The parade sees the burial of Joselito Carnaval who is a carnival character that is ‘brought to life’ during the Battle of the Flowers only to ‘die’ again on Shrove Tuesday, the final day of carnival.
The Death of Joselito Parade is probably the least popular and least attended parade because unlike other parades it is a sad event that mourns the death of Joselito. His burial symbolizes the end of Barranquilla Carnival.
However, not to worry Joselito will be ‘reborn’ again in the next Barranquilla Carnival, during the Battle of the Flowers Parade.
Where to stay for Barranquilla Carnival?
Popular Neighborhoods in Barranquilla are:
- Centro Histórico: Most tourists will choose to stay in the upmarket Norte-Centro Histórico area (north of the city) most hotels are located here. Popular areas are Alto Prado, El Prado, Centro Historico and the area around Buena Vista Shopping mall. These areas are not just the most pleasant areas but also one the safest to stay in a Barranquilla. There are also a large concentration of leisure and food options as well as great nightlife options.Calle 72 is a very lively street and as you follow it north it continues to get more and more upmarket.
- Riomar: This is a coastal area that is situated on the banks of the Magdalena River. There you will find some accommodation options because it has some major commercial developments occurring and several shopping centers.
- Alto Prado: Has some upmarket hotel offerings.
- El Prado: A traditional neighborhood in Barranquilla that is more modern
Check out some of the best offers on accommodation close to carnival for your visit to Barranquilla, here on Booking.com.
Book ahead! Things book out quickly with the huge volume of people the city receives! Besides you can always cancel later if your plans change and remember everything will be more expensive during carnival.
Check out some of the best offers on accommodation close to carnival for your visit to Barranquilla, here on Booking.com.
Book ahead! Things book out quickly with the huge volume of people the city receives! Besides you can always cancel later if your plans change and remember everything will be more expensive during carnival.
Book your Hotel and Flight for the Barranquilla Carnival
Where Can I Buy Barranquilla Carnival 2023 Tickets?
Many of the events at Barranquilla Carnival require tickets. It is essential that you purchase tickets from authorized sites only. Many of the hotels in Barranquilla will provide tickets for their guests.
What to Wear to Barranquilla Carnival?
Wondering what your Barranquilla Carnival Outfit should be? Well we say that you absolutely should dress up when attending Barranquilla Carnival! There are no rules, anything and everything goes, and the wackier the better! We say why not make your Barranquilla Carnival Costume as flamboyant as the floats!
Bring, wear and buy lots of festive Barranquilla Carnival costumes, because you will feel more out of place if you don’t dress up, then if you do! Often you will see groups of families and friends wearing matching costumes.
Everywhere you look you will see lots and lots of colorful Barranquilla Costumes, body paint, bare flesh, superheroes, pirates, fairies, or even traditional Barranquilla Carnival character costumes and so much more.
You’ll get an Authentically Local Experience
If you prefer things that are more authentic then choosing to celebrate carnival in Barranquilla instead of Rio is a great option! You will not be bombarded by hordes of foreign tourists, and it’s likely you will in fact be one of the few foreigners there.
The lack of tourists means that you will get to experience an authentic carnival in Barranquilla instead of Rio. Colombians are famous for their friendly treatment of foreigners and they will probably offer you numerous drinks and dances.
Barranquilla Carnival Tips
- You must be fully vaccinated and you may even be required to wear a mask at certain events.
- Buy your tickets early so you don’t end up disappointed! Also make sure that you only purchase from accredited websites.
- Remember that carnival is a marathon and not a sprint, the celebrations take place over a few days so copious amounts of alcohol and little sleep can lead to you burning out. Also stay hydrated!
- There are two types of carnival seats for the events on route 40 – palcos and mini palcos. If you have the money splurge on a palcos as they have excellent amenities like food and bathrooms, live music and high ceilings. The mini palcos are cheaper, located on the sidewalk and often sit in the sun.
- Organize transportation to and from events because trying to get back to your accommodation on Tuesday evening is madness!
- Arrange a meeting area for you and your friends in case you get lost, because the crowds are big and cell phone batteries can die.
- Be aware of your valuables at all times or even leave them back at your hotel and only bring some cash with you.
- The most expensive carnival event is the Battle of the Flowers as you must purchase tickets for all 3 days. However, if you plan to only attend on the Sunday or Monday, you can purchase cheap tickets outside the palcos and minipalcos on the day.
- Often foam or cornstarch can be thrown about as part of a carnival game, you might not be able to avoid this, so don’t wear your fanciest clothes.
What to Do and See in Barranquilla?
Barranquilla is Colombia’s fourth largest city and the birthplace of Colombian pop star Shakira! This town sits on the delta of the giant Rio Magdalena which meets the Caribbean Sea. Barranquilla is famous for its beautiful people, incredible nightlife and dancing and its Caribbean Culture.
Barranquilla’s nightlife is well-known for its late-night parties and traditional salsa dancing. Sitting on the Caribbean Sea you can hit the beach year-round to relax or surf. Or have a drink or something to eat in one of the coast’s many bars and beach clubs. We recommend trying some delicious local foods like coconut rice, fried fish and an arepa.
While the city has an industrial feel, it’s got plenty of charming neighborhoods, excellent shopping and incredible plazas and parks. You can check out some of the Spanish colonial architecture by visiting its numerous churches and castles. Or you could visit El Museo del Caribe which will give you an inside look into the indigenous cultures and history of the area.
Check out Viator’s top tours in Colombia
- From Medellin: Guatape and El Peñol Tour with Cruise
- Bogotá: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Group Tour
- From Medellín: Full-Day Tour to Guatapé with Piedra del Peñol
- Medellin: Coffee Tour with Tastings and Food
- Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise
Barranquilla Carnival Food
Barranquilla Carnival is a pre-Lenten carnival that was a celebration created in the lead up to Lent. Lent is Catholic tradition that saw 40 days of fasting in the lead up to Easter Sunday. Therefore, Carnival was the time in which people could feast and drink before Lent. Which is why eating lots of delicious carnival food is a must tradition.
Here are some Colombian Carnival foods and drinks that you must try:
- Fritos: Which means the typical fried foods in Barranquilla they include the Colombian staple Arepa’s, Arepa Dulce (sweet arepas) or Caribañola
- Mojarra with Coconut Rice: Mojarra is a famous fried fish dish that is served with coconut rice
- Posta and Coconut Rice: A thick-cut meat served with coconut rice
- Lisa Rice: A street food that consists of rice and a sea fish named Lisa
- Raspao: This is a shaved ice drink served in a cone and sweetened with a flavor of your choosing.
- Pineapple Chicha with Rice: A drink made with pineapple peels, sugar and cooked rice.
- Peto: A drink made from corn.
- Patillazo: A refreshing drink made from watermelon
- Cocadas: A desert made from fruit and coconut which represents the Caribbean spirit.
- Enyucado: A cassava cake with coconut and cheese
- The Barranquilla Hot Dog – This is a special local spin on the traditional hotdog.
Be Aware and Staying Safe at Barranquilla Carnival
When it comes to exploring Colombia, safety is a valid concern for many, but today Barranquilla and Colombia are safer than ever before. Most misconceptions about Colombia’s safety are from its dark past.
Most people feel very safe and welcomed in Colombia, and the biggest concern really is petty thefts. During Barranquilla Carnival, scammers will often take advantage of large crowds and pick pocketing is common. So be aware of your belongings at all times and always exercise common sense or even leave them back at your hotel and only bring some cash with you.
How to Get to Barranquilla?
- By plane: You can get to Barranquilla by flighting to the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ). There are direct international flights from Panama City, Miami and Quito. Direct Domestic flights to the airport arrive from Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Bucaramanga, San Andres, Bucaramanga, Monteria, Uribia and Valledupar.
- By bus: Barranquilla is easily connected to other cities in Colombia as well as Caracas in Venezuela.
Barranquilla Carnival Dictionary
Just in case you’re not a local here are some of the carnival phrases you should familiarize yourself with:
- Whoever lives it is who enjoys it: As we mentioned earlier, this is the carnival motto!
- King Momo: A very important carnival character that is the carnival protagonist and selected at the start of carnival
- Cumbiódromo: This is what the locals call Route 40 – which is the main place the carnival parades occur.
- Picos: This is the Colombian word for street parties!
- Comparsas: This is a group of musicians, singers and dancers that take part in carnivals in Latin America.
- Joselito: A carnival character who is buried at the end of carnival to represent the end of the carnival season.
- Marimonda: This is a folkloric carnival costume that represents the spirit of a man born in Barranquilla. It can be described as being half elephant and half primate.
- Pea pea: A whistle that is used by the marimondas
- Polleras Party: This is a party of women who wear cumbiamberas skirts, which you will see throughout carnival
- Aguardiente: A popular liquor that is drunk during carnival
- Nojoda: An expression that translates as great or of amazement, or joy.
