Experience Colombian "Felicidad" through vibrant and lively celebrations filled with colorful festivities.

Festivals and holidays are central to Colombian culture, and there is no doubt that Colombia can throw a celebration like no other. From honoring cultural heritage and music to celebrating religion and flowers, you can find an abundance of festivities throughout Colombia every month of the year. Over 80 festivals take place annually and are not to be missed! Join us on the Magdalena River and learn more about Colombian celebrations!

Colombian Carnaval - Photo courtesy of Amawaterways

Photo by Jorge Gardner on Unsplash

Carnaval de Barranquilla
Barranquilla boasts the second-largest Carnaval celebration in the world. (typically occurs in late February - early March) ​In 2003, UNESCO declared the Barranquilla Carnaval a “Masterpiece of Humanity’s Intangible and Oral Heritage.” Four days before Lent, the city breaks out into boisterous festivities. Carnaval Barranquilla begins with the six-hour La Batalla de Flores (The Battle of the Flowers), which dates back to 1903 when the people of Colombia celebrated the end of the One Thousand Days War by fighting with flowers in place of bullets. The Carnaval Queen oversees folk dancers, fire breathers, and musicians during the parade. The following two days are filled with dance competitions and parades. The fourth and final day features the burial of the mythical Joselito. This is marked by two parades: one mourning the figure’s death and one representing the joy of celebrations.
Every year, attendees shout the festival’s joyful motto into the streets: “Quien lo vive es quien lo goza,” which translates to “He who lives it, enjoys it.” To truly understand Carnaval, one must immerse themselves in the celebrations. Over the four days, the streets of Barranquilla become overrun with music, masks, costumes, floats, and an explosion of colors. If you miss the Carnaval season, don’t fret! While sailing on our Magdalena River cruises, you can experience a dynamic Carnaval performance in Barranquilla – an experience exclusive to AmaWaterways guests! We believe in offering our guests unique, unforgettable experiences, and this is one of them.

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Palenque’s Celebration of Tambores
The Festival de Tambores y Expresiones Culturales de Palenque is a three-day celebration that brings the community of Palenque together. (typically occurs early to mid-October) This festival, eagerly anticipated by the 4,000 townspeople, is a vibrant display of music, dance, and cultural delicacies. The festival's significance lies in its role as a showcase of the heritage of the first free town in the Americas, proclaimed by a royal decree from the Spanish crown in 1961. Our Colombia itineraries offer a glimpse into the spirit and music of this town on every visit, and those visiting Palenque during this time can witness the unique charm and fascinating history this special festival provides.

Mompox Jazz Festival
Many from across the globe venture to Mompox to celebrate its unique culture and heritage, and during this festival, everyone’s attention is centered on the music. (typically occurs during October) During this international jazz festival, visitors can immerse themselves in various music styles, from merengue and bachata to porro and other genre varieties from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Not only can festival goers expect an incredible lineup of performances, but they can also look forward to many educational workshops throughout the town focusing on empowering young musicians. From bars to churches, the magic of Mompox’s music festival is showcased around every corner of the beautiful city. The closing concert in the Plaza de Santa Barbara is one of the most exciting parties one can experience in this incredible town.

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Photo by Saul Mercado on Unsplash

Feria de Las Flores
Medellín’s Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) is renowned for its spectacular floral displays and lively festivities. Set in the “City of Eternal Spring,” the festival lasts over a week. (typically occurs in late July – early August)The main attraction in the Desfile de Silleteros is the Silleteros parade. Silleteros are the porters who used to carry colonial officials on a chair on their backs. During the event, local flower growers march through the city with massive, elaborate flower displays strapped to their backs, known as skillets. Men and women parade through Medellín yearly, proudly displaying floral depictions of their histories, land, and culture. It’s a sight to behold, a testament to the creativity and spirit of the Colombian people. Visit this captivating city on our pre-cruise land packages and be inspired by the beauty and grandeur of the festival.

The Sounds and Rhythms of Cumbia
Vibrant colors, exciting drumming, and lively folk dancing are all central to Colombia’s proud heritage. Cumbia music and dance are at the heart of Colombian culture. Originating centuries ago on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, cumbia is a unique mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous traditions. It is characterized by rhythmic beats and colorful Latin-inspired costumes and instruments. Women traditionally wear long, colorful skirts and flowered headdresses. Men wear white shirts and pants, accessorized by red bandannas and a sombrero. Performers dance to the sounds of guitars, drums, and maracas. Cumbia music and dance feature heavily in celebrations across the country, and several festivals center around the art form, including the annual Festival Nacional de la Cumbia (typically occurring in mid-August) in El Banco, Magdalena. Experience a special shoreside dinner and exclusive cumbia performance during every AmaWaterways journey along this majestic river!

A Colombian Christmas
In addition to a wide spread of festivals, Colombians have unique traditions for many holidays, including Christmas! Colombians begin their Christmas celebrations on December 7 with the Día de Las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). This night, people line their windowsills, porches, sidewalks, and streets with candles and paper lanterns. Towns and cities glow with candlelight in celebration of Mary’s immaculate conception.
In Colombia, Christmas is nothing without a bounty of food. Natilla is one of the country’s most beloved holiday dishes. The milk-based, pudding-like snack is usually enjoyed alongside other festive foods such as buńuelos (mouthwatering fried dough balls – served piping hot). These delicious treats are most often enjoyed during the novenas, the nine nights leading up to Christmas, when families gather to recite traditional prayers, eat, drink, and be merry. On Christmas Eve, baby Jesus is the one to deliver presents to the children rather than Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas! Enjoy Colombia’s unique Christmas traditions during memorable holiday 2025 departures:

• Magic of Colombia: December 24, 2025
• Wonders of Colombia: December 20, 2025

Join us for a taste of Colombia’s festivals and holiday seasons. Contact your preferred travel advisor to learn more about our itineraries on the Magdalena River!

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Cuban-born adventurer & storyteller, Sheyla guides you through vibrant Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Award-winning journalist, actress, and travel expert, bringing the magic of diverse cultures to life. SHEYLA ADVENTURE TRAVEL, LLC, in business since 2016, is your one-stop shop for unforgettable adventure travel experiences. Specializing in group tours to Cuba, ocean and river cruises adventures, we cater to affluent travelers over 35 who seek to give back to local communities. With access to over 500,000 hotels worldwide and a bilingual travel advisor who personally guides you, we ensure a memorable experience from start to finish.

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