Colombia gears up for a vibrant start to 2026 with five emblematic cultural events blending music, tradition, and celebration in cities like Cali, Pasto, Manizales, Cartagena, and Barranquilla. These festivals will draw millions of visitors and create substantial economic impacts. The lineup features parades, concerts, and free activities for all audiences.
The 68th Feria de Cali will run from December 25 to 30, 2025, featuring the Salsódromo and a Súperconcierto with Marc Anthony, Víctor Manuelle, and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico at Pascual Guerrero stadium. Up to 800,000 tourists are expected, along with revenues near 62.7 billion pesos. The schedule, including paid and free events, is available on the official website.
The Carnaval de Negros y Blancos in Pasto begins with precarnaval activities from December 28 to 31, 2025, such as 5K, 10K, and 15K races, and the Desfile de Años Viejos on the 31st. The main program starts January 2, 2026, with the Desfile del Carnavalito and Nariño Musical concert, ending January 6 with the Desfile de Blancos. The 2024 edition boosted sales by at least one trillion pesos, per Fenalco Nariño, emphasizing animal welfare.
The Feria de Manizales, from January 3 to 11, 2026, will host a Feria Concert at Palogrande stadium with Silvestre Dangond, Carlos Vives, and Blessd, plus performances by Dálmata, Andy Rivera, and Nanpa Básico. It includes the Reinado Internacional del Café and a classic car parade. The recent edition drew over 1.8 million attendees and generated 442.127 billion pesos in economic spillover.
From January 4 to 12, the Festival Internacional de Música de Cartagena will delve into the theme “The soul and the body. Musical universalism and popular schools” with 27 concerts ranging from baroque to nationalist repertoires. Tickets are available via Tuboleta.
Lastly, the Carnaval de Barranquilla, from February 14 to 17, 2026, will feature parades and comparsas. Its latest edition saw 780,000 central event attendees, over 2.1 million tickets sold, and an impact of 880 billion pesos.
