Carnival of Barranquilla 2027

The Carnival of Barranquilla is Colombia’s most spectacular public celebration and, after Rio de Janeiro, the second-largest carnival in the world. UNESCO inscribed it on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2003, recognising its unique fusion of Indigenous, African, and European traditions that have evolved over more than a century along the Caribbean coast.

What happens during the carnival

The 2027 edition runs from Saturday 22 February to Thursday 25 February, with energy building each day. The opening Battle of Flowers parade on Saturday is the flagship event: elaborately decorated floats, costumed dancers, and cumbia bands fill the Via 40 boulevard in a procession lasting most of the afternoon. Sunday brings the Grand Parade (Gran Parada), the longest and most musically diverse day, featuring dozens of folkloric groups performing mapalé, porro, gaita, and chandé rhythms. Monday is dominated by the satirical Kong Kong characters, while Tuesday ends with the theatrical funeral of Joselito Carnaval, a mock mourning ceremony that officially closes the festival.

Throughout all four days, neighbourhood street parties called cumbiambas run late into the night, and the city’s bars and open-air venues host live salsa and vallenato sets until dawn.

Tickets and getting there

The main parades along Via 40 have ticketed grandstand seating, with prices typically ranging from around COP 80,000 to COP 400,000 depending on stand position and day. Tickets go on sale via the official carnival website from December; popular grandstands sell out within days of release, so book as soon as they go live. Many side streets along the route offer free viewing, though space fills quickly from mid-morning.

Barranquilla’s Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport receives direct flights from Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena year-round. During carnival week, domestic flights book out months in advance. The city’s Transmetro BRT system connects the airport and hotel districts to the parade route.

Practical tips

Wear light cotton or linen — temperatures sit around 30 to 33 degrees Celsius during the day and stay warm at night. Elaborate fancy dress is welcomed and encouraged; even simple accessories like a feathered headpiece or a traditional mochila bag will help you fit into the spirit of the event. Carry only what you need: cash for street food (arepas de choclo, fried fish, and fresh coconut water are carnival staples), sunscreen, and a water bottle. Pickpocketing increases sharply in crowd events, so keep phones and wallets in front pockets or a money belt.

The best roadside viewing spots for the Battle of Flowers fill by 10 a.m., so aim to arrive at the parade route no later than 9 a.m. if you want a ground-level position.

For context on timing your wider Colombia trip, see our Colombia festivals and events guide and our Barranquilla city guide.