Photo by Etienne Le Cocq
Colombia is more or less a year-round destination. This is thanks to its position on the equator and, therefore, its regular and relatively predictable climate. The main tourist cities (Bogotá, Cartagena and Medellín) have almost exactly the same weather all year round, aside from the occasional rainy period that is usually offset by a decent amount of sunshine anyway. As for cultural events, Colombia abound with festivals, events, concerts and much, much more. From Medellín’s Feria de Las Flores to Rock Al Parque in Bogotá to Barranquilla’s infamous Carnival, you’re bound to find something special happening in a country that’s full of life, color and action all year round. What follows is a list of seasons, important dates and things you shouldn’t miss when coming to Colombia.
Seasons are:
- Easter (holy week) in April or March, high.
- December 1st to 15th medium, December 16th to January 15th, high.
- Middle of July to end of August, high.
- Bank holidays. There are 16 – 3 day religious and civil holidays, some of which may vary from year to year.
Religious
- January 1st New Year´s.
- January 6th Epiphany (moved to the following Monday).
- March 19th San José (moved to the following Monday).
- May 1st Christ Ascension Day (moved to the following Monday).
- May 15th Corpus Christi (moved to the following Monday).
- Jun 29th Saints Peter & Paul..
- August 15th Our Lady’s Asuncion (moved to the following Monday).
- November 1st All Souls Day (moved to the following Monday)
- December 8th Blessed Virgin.
- December 25th Christmas.
Civic
- May 1st Work Day
- June (variable)* Sacred Heart
- July 20th Independence Day
- August 7th Boyacá´s Battle
- October 12th Race Day (moved to the following Monday)
- November 11th Cartagena Independence Day ( moved to the following Monday)
There are several celebrations and festivals throughout the year:
Carnaval de Blancos y Negros en Pasto, Nariño. Dec/Jan
Picture by Otto Nassar
A yearly celebration remembering the freedom of black slaves back in the sixteen century, when following the struggle supported by the Franciscan Saint Pedro Claver all black African slaves gained their freedom. http://www.carnavaldepasto.org/
Feria de Manizales, Caldas
January.
An international fair framed by a beauty contest in which many countries’ beauty representatives compete for the crown. The main attraction of the contest side-line is a ring bull fight in the main arena of the city. http://www.feriademanizales.gov.co/
Carnaval de Barranquilla, Atlantico
February.
Of the famous Rio Carnival, this one could be called as the follower. Very similar in many ways but in size this Carnival also gathers thousands of street dancers parading in the most colorful customs the imagination can conceive. Lasting 4 days and nights this is perhaps the livelier feast in the country. http://www.carnavaldebarranquilla.org/previo/default.html
Festival Internacional de Teatro de Bogota, C/MARCA
Picture by Luz A Villa
Every two years, Easter week MARCH/APRIL 2010
Founded by a famous Colombian actress and drama director, this International Theatre Festival similar in many ways to the one in Edinburgh, has become the most reputed festival of its kind in Latin America. http://www.festivaldeteatro.com.co/
Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata en Valledupar, Cesar
End of April.
The Vallenato music from this area of Colombia widely heard and danced around the country, will crown its most prolific accordion player whose kingdom will last until the following year. http://www.festivalvallenato.com/
Reinado Nacional del Bambuco en Neiva, Huila
June
Also a beauty contest, with international candidates this folkloric music and dance festival will take the whole city out to the streets dancing and playing typical instruments from this musical region of the country. http://www.festivalvallenato.com/
Festival Folclorico de Ibague, Tolima.
June/July.
A Music Festival showing beautiful music masterpieces from different famous and new young composers and interpreters. The province of Tolima of which Ibague is the Musical Capital has been privileged with composers and singers of this most typical Colombian music. http://www.festivalfolclorico.com/
Feria de las Flores de Medellin, Antioquia
August/September
The city of Medellin also called the “City of Eternal Spring” (see Colombia Travel Information) will host this flower parade for 3 days; this unique street exhibition of flower- carts pulled by beautiful cozy donkeys, one of the main attractions of this colorful display. http://www.feriadelasfloresmedellin.gov.co/
Feria de Cali, Valle del Cuaca
31st December.
Similar to the Manizales fair and to other international beauty contest in Colombia, this Cali festival of ring bull fighting and beautiful candidates will be followed by a colorful horse- riding parade through the main capital streets.
Tailor Made
We know everyone is different, and that people’s ideas of the perfect vacation can differ wildly. Fortunately, Colombia has such an array of things to see and do, there’s something for everyone. We aim to accommodate for all possible tastes and deliver the perfect Colombian vacation to everyone traveling to the country. Because of this, all our tours depart 365 days a year and are 100% customizable. Want to spend another day on the beach? We’ll arrange it for you. Want to go to Medellin? We’ll arrange it for you. Want to go horseback riding, rafting, cycling, and more? We’ll arrange it for you. You can add days and activities to any of our packages, or just design your own from scratch. We’re here to help you have the perfect vacation – whatever perfect means to you.
