Festivals in Colombia

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[edit] Main Colombian Carnivals

Bogotá's Carnival (Spanish:Carnaval de Bogotá) in August 6 for the city's centenary of Hispanic foundation, includes masquerades, krewes and dances parades at the same time or after 5 days takes place the Summer festival which is a group of activities, concerts and sports events in all the city but most of the time is presented in the simon bolivar's park.

Rock at the park(Spanish : rock al parque") in October, it's the second largest rock festival in Latinamerica, after "Rock in Rio". Around 1000 rock bands are in this event; local as well as international bands like Apocalyptica or Slipknot participate. The event is in the Simon Bolivar's park in Bogotá.

Iberoamerican Theater Festival held in Bogotá every two years, it is the biggest theater festival in the world.

Carnival of Blacks and Whites (Spanish: Carnaval de Negros y Blancos) held from January 4 to January 6 in Pasto. Its origins date back to the Spanish rule times when slaves were allowed to celebrate on 5th and their masters showed their approval on 6th by painting their faces black. On these days they put grease on there face and put talcum powder on their face.

Manizales Fair (Spanish: Feria de Manizales) celebrated in the city of Manizales the first weeks of the year. Costume groups in fancy dress take over the city. A congeniality coffee queen is elected and bullfighting (Spanish:faenas) takes place.

Riosucio´s Carnival (Spanish: Carnaval de Riosucio) held in Riosucio Caldas from January 2 to January 8 each two years. It's famous because rescue past traditions with a mixture of art, music and customes by groups called Cuadrilas, drinking the traditional Guarapo (drink based on fermented maize) carried in Calabazos. During the carnival, the image of a cool and happy devil is exhibitted.

Barranquilla's Carnival (Spanish: Carnaval de Barranquilla), with a century long recorded history it holds the second largest carnival parades in the world after Rio de Janeiro's.

Bambuco y Sanjuanero Festivals in Neiva held on June 28 and June 29 for Saint Peter's and Saint Paul's days.

Cali Fair (Spanish: Feria de Cali), held in Cali from December 25 to New Year's Eve. It is famous for its Salsa marathon concerts attended by renown Salsa bands. There are horse riding parades (Spanish: cabalgatas), masquerades and dances groups.

The Flowers Fair, in August with its flowers parade called Desfile de Silleteros.

[edit] Regional and Folkloric Festivities

Pubenza Festivities (Spanish: Fiestas de Pubenza), in Popayán, known for its competition of Chirimias (folkloric musical groups).

Colombian Folklore Festival (Spanish: Festival Folklórico Colombiano) in Ibagué.

Medellin's Tango Street (Spanish: Tangovía) on Carlos Gardel Avenue in the suburb of Manrique.

Joropo National Festival (Spanish: Festival Nacional del Joropo) in Villavicencio in December.

Candles and Lanterns Festival (Spanish: Fiesta de Velas y Faroles) is held in Quimbaya, Quindío on December 7 and 8. Each of the barrios in the township compete to produce the most spectacular lighting arrangements.

Green Moon Festival (Spanish: Festival de la Luna Verde) celebrated in San Andres Islands, this is a unique festival with characteristics that make it different from any other festival in Colombia. Here the Afro-Caribbean influence is very strong, and predominance of the English language lyrics of Calypso and Reggae.

Vallenato Legend Festival (Spanish: Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata). Held in Valledupar, Cesar, in April or May. The festival is a celebration of vallenato music and also a competition to find the best accordionist of the year and to select the Vallenato King (Spanish: Rey Vallenato) among hundreds of participants from all over the country.