Top 10 Events in Colombia, Colombia

FESTIVAL DE LA QUINTA Cada año, el centro histórico de Valledupar se transforma para vivir una experiencia cultural y mostrar lo mejor del Emprendimiento, la Innovación, el Talento, la Música, el Arte y la Gastronomía. La nueva generación de talentos y diferentes expresiones culturales que se unen y esto permite aumentar la oferta turística de la Ciudad como un modelo de integración y desarrollo de ciudad a través de la llamada economía naranja. Ingreso gratuito

Imagine Carnival with threads of religion woven in and you’ll have Quibdo’s Fiestas de San Pacho. Starting at the end of September and running until early October, this festival is a unique blend of religious expression, historical reference and social commentary. Though the festival still honours Saint Francis, the patron saint of Quibdo, with his likeness being paraded down the street, the festival also illustrates the long history of the area and its roots: you’ll hear African music and see traditional garb as the revellers dance through the streets. It's a feast of colour and flavour that you won't find elsewhere.

For more than 50 years, FICCI (Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias), Cartagena’s International Film Fest, has been bringing Latin American films into the spotlight. With workshops, film premiers, special events and plenty of other opportunities to learn about new trends in film-making, FICCI provides a focused lens on what’s happening on the silver screen not only in Colombia, but in the world at large. Movie lovers of all languages should make plans to attend this five-day festival.

If you’re looking to experience the best season in Bogota—while enjoying plenty of free activities—then visit in August for beautiful weather and the Bogota Summer Festival. Based mainly in Parque Simon Bolivar, the summer festival focuses on getting people outdoors and opportunities range from attending professional competitions like boxing tournaments and taekwondo competitions to participating in local activities such as rock climbing, Zumba and Pilates. Be sure to take a kite (kite flying is extremely popular) or take part in the Night Bike Ride.

Bypass Rio, the best Carnaval is in Barranquilla. Beginning on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, Carnaval de Barranquilla is the largest celebration in Colombia and one of the largest carnavals (religious festivals) in the world. Featuring live music, tons of dancing and an immense parade full of masked revellers, Barranquilla’s Carnaval shuts down the city for four unforgettable days. The festivities start with La Batalla de Flores (the Battle of the Flowers), a parade of elaborate floats, and continue with more days of dancing, costumes and celebrations.