The Hottest Happenings and Cultural Events in Cartagena.
Cartagena’s Cultural Schedule.
A selection of the hottest happenings (real and virtual) taking place in Colombia’s Caribbean culture hub. From glittering film festivals to stimulating literary gatherings and raucous New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s always something incredible taking place in Cartagena.
Browse through our carefully curated list of the most exciting events in Cartagena and reach out if you need help organizing your trip. We’re here to help good people do great things.
Cartagena Classical Music Festival
Cartagena’s International Music Festival pulls in a sophisticated crowd from Colombia and abroad and offers the quintessential experience for anyone who appreciates the beauty found in classical music.
Hay Festival Cartagena
An unparalleled feast of culture; a celebration of literary and creative genius, the Hay Festival will inspire you to reimagine the world you think you know. Join an elite group of writers, poets, journalists and academics as they share their work at events across Cartagena.
Fried Food Festival
Trouble trouble, they fry and bubble, get me a frito on the double! Cartagena’s favourite food fest is back for another year of lip-smacking goodness, so ditch the diet and make sure you come hungry.
Mompox Jazz Festival
The sleepy town of Santa Cruz de Mompos opens her arms to visitors from around the world for its annual jazz festival – an energizing event that adds a unique atmosphere to a special place.
Palenque Drum Festival
Enjoy the Festival of Drums and Cultural Expressions of Palenque, four days of vibrant music, including drumming, bullerenge, mapale, and cumbia, showcasing Afro-Colombian culture and resistance.
Cartagena’s Carnival - Independence Day Fiestas.
The Cartagena Independence Festival - one of Colombia's oldest and craziest celebrations - kicks off in the month before it celebrates its independence from Spanish rule on 11 November.
October Big Day at Agricola Camelias
Enjoy the Festival of Drums and Cultural Expressions of Palenque, four days of vibrant music, including drumming, bullerenge, mapale, and cumbia, showcasing Afro-Colombian culture and resistance.
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