Right in the heart of South America, Colombia is famous for its gorgeous landscapes, super friendly people, and deep traditions. One of the coolest things about this vibrant country is how it celebrates holidays. From old religious traditions to massive, colorful parties, Colombia’s calendar is packed with events that show off its culture, diversity, and love for life.
Colombia has more public holidays than almost anywhere else in the world—over 18 every year. Many are religious, showing the country’s strong Catholic background, while others celebrate history or local traditions. The magic of Colombian holidays is in their lively mix of spirituality, music, food, and dancing, bringing communities together in the best way.
Religious Traditions
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is one of the most important times of the year. Towns like Popayán and Mompox are famous for their beautiful, solemn parades, where statues of saints and Bible scenes are carried through the streets.
Christmas (Navidad) officially kicks off on December 7th with the Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas), when families light candles and lanterns to honor the Virgin Mary. Streets turn into glowing wonderlands. Then come the novenas—a nine-day stretch of prayers, music, and family gatherings—leading up to Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), a night full of food, music, and gifts.
New Year’s Eve (Año Nuevo) is just as exciting, with fireworks, music, and traditions like eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the year ahead.
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Carnivals and Big Festivals
The Barranquilla Carnival in February or March is one of the biggest in the world, even recognized by UNESCO. Expect parades, dazzling costumes, and cumbia music filling the streets for days.
In Pasto, the Blacks and Whites’ Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos) celebrates unity by painting faces black one day and white the next.
Every August, Medellín hosts the Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores), famous for the Desfile de Silleteros, where farmers carry huge, stunning flower displays on their backs.
National and Historic Celebrations
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) on July 20th marks Colombia’s 1810 break from Spain, with parades and patriotic events everywhere.
Battle of Boyacá Day (Batalla de Boyacá) on August 7th remembers the big victory that sealed independence.
Local Traditions
Different parts of the country have their own unique celebrations. Coffee-growing areas have coffee festivals with tastings, parades, and contests. On the Caribbean coast, there are festivals honoring fishing traditions. Indigenous communities hold ceremonies to keep their ancestral customs alive.
The Festival Vallenato in Valledupar celebrates the accordion-driven vallenato music, drawing talented musicians from all over Colombia for competitions and concerts.
How Colombians Celebrate
No matter the holiday, there’s always music, dancing, and amazing food. Expect salsa, cumbia, vallenato, reggaeton, and dishes like arepas, empanadas, lechona, and ajiaco. Around Christmas, you can’t miss buñuelos and natilla.
Family is at the heart of every celebration, and visitors are treated like part of the family too. Joining a Colombian holiday feels like getting a warm hug from the whole country.
For Travelers
If you visit during the holidays, you’ll get to see Colombia at its most lively. Just plan ahead—big events like Barranquilla Carnival or Medellín’s Flower Festival get booked up fast.
During Holy Week, some shops and services might close or run limited hours, but it’s worth it for the chance to experience something truly authentic.
A Party All Year Long
With its mix of faith, culture, and passion for life, Colombia’s holidays are more than just days off—they’re a window into the country’s soul. Whether you’re dancing in Barranquilla, lighting candles in December, or watching flowers fill the streets of Medellín, you’ll find warmth, energy, and beauty in every celebration.
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