Carnival of Barranquilla
Colombia's UNESCO-listed carnival explodes with cumbia, mapalé, costumed comparsas and flamboyant float parades in the days before Lent.
- 6 February 2027 → 9 February 2027
- Barranquilla, Colombia
- When6 February 2027 → 9 February 2027 · Held every year over the four days from the Saturday before Ash Wednesday to Shrove Tuesday, after weeks of pre-carnival events.
- DatesConfirmed by the official source · checked 28 October 2026
- WhereVía 40 parade route, Barranquilla, Colombia
- CategoryFestivals & Celebrations · carnival
- GuideOur Colombia travel guide →
Colombia's UNESCO-listed carnival explodes with cumbia, mapalé, costumed comparsas and flamboyant float parades in the days before Lent.
The Carnival of Barranquilla is Colombia's foremost folk celebration and a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage. In 2027 it runs February 6-9. It opens with the Batalla de Flores float parade on February 6, followed by the Gran Parada de Tradición on February 7 and the Gran Parada de Comparsas on February 8, showcasing cumbia, mapalé and garabato dances. The festivities close symbolically with the Muerte de Joselito on February 9.
Carnival of Barranquilla in photos
Hotels & rentals near Carnival of Barranquilla
Pre-set to 5 Feb – 10 Feb 2027 (the night before to the morning after). Pan, zoom and compare live prices.
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Getting there & around on event days
The Carnival of Barranquilla fills the streets of Barranquilla on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Fly into Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ), about 10 km south of the city in Soledad, with connections through Bogotá and direct regional flights. Barranquilla has no metro, so take an official airport taxi or a ride-hailing app into the centre — roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The main parade route runs along Vía 40 and the Carrera 44 corridor; expect widespread road closures during Carnival, so base yourself within walking distance of the route and travel on foot once the parades begin.
Where it happens
Getting to the event
Flights and airport transfers to BAQ — search and compare without leaving the page.
Safety & travel advice
- Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for Colombia (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
- Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.