Cartagena hosts multiple internationally-recognized cultural events year-round, with strong emphasis on literary, film, and independence celebrations.
Good to know
Good to Know
- January–February peak season: Hay Festival and Music Festival draw large international crowds; book accommodation early.
- November Independence Festival is free and genuinely accessible to the public via streets and plazas—no tickets needed unless buying bleacher seating.
- Film and music festivals primarily held in the UNESCO-listed historic walled city; walkable from most central neighborhoods.
- Many festival events offer free public access (concerts in plazas, open-air screenings); ticketed events support production costs.
- Rainy season (May–November) can affect outdoor activities; November festivities proceed despite occasional showers.
Events
Cartagena Music Festival (Festival De Música De Cartagena)
- Month
- January
- Dates 2026
- January 4–12
- Duration Days
- 9
- Price Per Concert
- COP 50,000
- Cultural Significance
- Recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation by Law 2340 of 2023. Blends classical music traditions with Caribbean heritage through workshops and master classes.
- Description
- One of Latin America's most prestigious classical music festivals, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. Features international and emerging artists performing chamber music with 20+ concerts across the walled city.
Main Venues
- Adolfo Mejía Theater
- Chapel of Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel
- Historic churches and plazas
Hay Festival Cartagena
- Month
- January–February
- Access
- Free for most public events; individual event pricing available
- Edition
- 21st
- Dates 2026
- January 29–February 1
- Cultural Significance
- Extension of renowned UK Hay Festival; one of the most important cultural gatherings in the Spanish-speaking world. Takes place throughout the walled city.
- Description
- International literary and cultural gathering featuring 180+ participants from 25 countries. Encompasses literature, visual arts, cinema, music, journalism, geopolitics and environmental discussions.
Free events with social mission component also available
- Name
- Cartagena International Film Festival (Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias, FICCI)
- Month
- April
- Price
- COP 80,000
- Edition
- 65th
- Dates 2026
- April 14–19
- Cultural Significance
- Academy Awards-qualifying festival for documentary and short film categories. Celebrates Latin American cinema and independent filmmaking.
- Description
- Oldest film festival in Latin America (founded 1959). Focuses on promotion of Colombian television, Latin American films and shorts. Features 180+ films from 57 countries with national, Latin American and international premieres.
Main Venues
- Teatro Heredia
- Colonial convents and open-air cinemas
November
- Name
- Cartagena Independence Festival (Fiestas del 11 de Noviembre / Carnaval de Cartagena)
- Access
- Free; bleacher seating available for purchase along Avenida Santander
- Dates 2026
- Week around November 11
- Cultural Significance
- One of Colombia's oldest and most important civic celebrations. Historically commemorates the city's role as La Heroica (The Heroic One) in colonial Latin America's struggle for independence.
- Description
- Celebration of Cartagena's declaration of independence from Spain on November 11, 1811—the first fully independent state in present-day Colombia. Features multi-day celebrations with street parades, music, dancing, costumes and food throughout the walled city and public spaces.
Key Events
- Bando parade (early in festival week)
- Main Independence Parade along Avenida Santander (November 11)
- Balleneras Parade (nautical water parade with decorated boats)
- National Beauty Pageant (Miss Colombia) integration
- Concerts and gastronomic exhibitions (November 12–14)
Fiesta De Nuestra Señora De La Candelaria (Candlemas Festival)
- Month
- February
- Cultural Significance
- Reflects deep Spanish Catholic influence in colonial-era city planning and local traditions.
- Description
- Religious celebration honoring Our Lady of Candlemas. Part of Cartagena's Catholic tradition and colonial heritage calendar.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed September 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Cartagena
Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.