We are excited for the Barranquilla Carnival 2024, we know it will be an incredible event that you cannot miss! Coming to the Carnival of Barranquilla 2024 is an experience like no other, which is why we want you to have all the information you need to enjoy this event to the fullest and not miss any concert, parade or event.

The Carnival of Barranquilla is a party of the Colombian Caribbean for the world, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site, it is a party full of joy, color, music, art, creativity and folklore.

The Barranquilla Carnival is an annual event that takes place every February and is known as the most important celebration in Barranquilla. The main attraction of the carnival are the parades with vibrant costumes and dance groups accompanied by lively music performed by national and international bands and orchestras. These parades take place in the streets of the city. Expert dancers perform beautiful choreography as colorful floats pass by.

The carnival also offers a large number of cultural and artistic activities, such as concerts of various musical genres, plays and art festivals. Visitors can enjoy delicious typical food and purchase regional handicrafts while immersed in a festive and joyful atmosphere.

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• Dates of the Carnival 2024
• 4 days of Carnivals events – Saturday – Sunday – Monday – Tuesday
• Carnival concerts 2024
• Pre-carnivals events 2024
• Tips
• Carnival Queen
• How to dress for carnivals
• Tickets
• Children Carnival 2024
• Hoteles and info
• Carnival dictionary

Dates of the Barranquilla Carnival 2024

The Carnival of Barranquilla will take place in 2024 in the month of February, starting on Saturday the 10th until Tuesday the 13th of February 2024. On each day of the carnival, special events and parades are held, however, in the weeks prior to the days also an extensive carnestolentic programming is carried out. The city vibrates with its party from the Reading of the side, a symbolic act that marks the beginning of the carnival season.

Barranquilla adorns its houses, shopping centers, avenues and iconic places with colorful and creative carnival figures, showing the spirit and festivity of the event.

The most important events in the 4 days of Carnivals 2024

Live the Best of Barranquilla Carnival 2024: A Guide to the Parades

Get ready to witness the spectacle of the parade that has captivated Barranquilleros and tourists for years! The Carnival of Barranquilla 2024 promises four days of revelry and joy. Via 40 will be the central stage for some of the festival’s most iconic parades, with the enchanting batalla de flores – Battle of the Flowers, the colorful Gran Parada de Comparsas and the spectacular Gran Parada de Fantasia. But the excitement does not end there. Other sectors of the city, such as Carrera 44, Calle 17 and Calle 84 will also hold their unique parades, showcasing the diverse and vibrant culture of Barranquilla. Visit Barranquilla to celebrate the lively spirit of the Barranquilla Carnival 2024.

Saturday Carnival: February 10, 2024

• Batalla de Flores – Battle of flowers: On route 40, this parade of artistically decorated floats is held, presided over by the queen of the carnival and King Momo. Thousands of dancers grouped in different “comparsas” and orchestras delighted the public that congregated in boxes located throughout the journey. Artists, beauty queens, and queens of other events and contests parade in these floats. It is the main sample of all the joy, folklore, creativity, and art present in each group and each costume.
• King Momo Parade takes place on Carnival Saturday on 17th Street, with King Momo from the Barranquilla Carnival as the protagonist.
• Dance on the street (Baila a la calle): an event where music, gastronomy, and artisan samples come together in the same place to provide a show of joy. Presentations of musical, folkloric groups and litanies are made.
• Batalla de Flores ‘Sonia Osorio’ with more than one hundred local and national folkloric groups. The tour will start in La Troja, will go through Carrera 44 and will culminate in the Plaza de la Paz.
• Concerts: in different hotels, clubs, stadiums or stages there are concerts. See list below.

Sunday Carnival: February 11, 2024

• Gran parada de tradición y folcror: It is a parade on Via 40 where traditional folkloric comparsas show their dances such as cumbia, garabato, mapalé, among others.
• Orchestra Festival: It is one of the most anticipated events in the Barranquilla Carnival, especially for the musical groups that aspire to win the Congo de Oro. This festival brings together the greatest artists of local, national, and international music to sing to Barranquilla and his people.
• Baila a la Calle / Night of Orchestras: an event where music, gastronomy, and crafts come together in the same place to offer a show of joy. Presentations of musical groups, folklore, and litanies are made.
• Festival of letanías : cuchilla Barrio abajo
• Comedy Gathering
• Great parade of the safeguarding and the Carlos Franco tradition: organized by the Association of Folkloric Groups of the Department of the Atlantic.
• Concerts: in different hotels, clubs, stadiums or stages there are concerts. See list below.

Monday Carnival: February 12, 2024

• Gran Parada de comparsas: parade on Via 40 where groups of fantasy and tradition are presented to the sound of rhythms from the Colombian Caribbean, Africans, Brazilians, Hawaiians, and a lot of fusion of the traditional ones.
• Baila a la Calle/Noche de tambó: an event where music, gastronomy, and crafts come together in the same place to offer a show of joy. Presentations of musical groups, folklore, and litanies are made.
• Comedy Gathering:

Tuesday Carnival: February 13, 2024

• Joselito’s Burial – 84 street: it is the celebration that closes the festivities in a parade where the widows cry and bury Joselito; many troupes appear. Different parades are held, but one of the most recommended is the one on 84th street. Organized by the Art and Folklore Foundation of the Atlantic
• Joselito leaves with the ashes. cra 54 Barrio Prado – Barrio Abajo.
• Conquest of Carnival starting on the boulevard of Carrera 8 up to the Simón Bolívar neighborhood.

Which are the concerts of the Barranquilla Carnival 2024?

Every year Barranquilla is the scene of concerts with national and international artists. Soon we will publish the concerts of 2024.

• Carnival Metroconcert: It is a concert where several world-class artists perform.
• Hotel del Prado: The traditional Hotel del Prado holds a concert with great artists.
• Moys a la Calle: It gathers artists and closes an entire street to present their great concert.
• Country Club: members and their guests offer a party with artists on Carnival Saturday.
• And many more.

PRE-CARNAVALS 2024

When do the pre-carnivals 2024 start?

Carnival festivities begin with a season preceding the four-day celebration. In August of the year before the carnival, the central queen of the festivities is chosen. It is considered a great honor that a woman from Barranquilla presides over this transcendental party. The selected young woman must possess grace, joy and exceptional experience in traditional rhythmic dance. As an ambassador for the festivities, she spreads cheer and cheer nationally and globally.

Pre-carnivals Events

For Carnival 2024 the official programming has not yet come out but below we show the events that are generally programmed:

January Events

• Raising of the flag del Carnaval de Barranquilla –
• Lectura el bando: Folkloric show of tradition and music, where the festivities are officially declared open, through the delivery of the keys to the city and the Lectura del Bando. Saturday, January 20.
• Cumbia al rio: on the Malecón
• River of traditions: opening of exhibitions of macro figures.
• Coronation of popular queens: in the different sectors of the city.
• Coronation of the 44 Carnival queen: Plaza de la Paz starting at 5:00 in the afternoon. It will have the participation of renowned musical groups and artists, including Checo Acosta.
• Comedy Festival:
• Coronation of Gay Kings and Popular Gay Queen: at 8:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Paz.

Weekend events 2024

• Festival of tradition: it is a folkloric event. Friday
• Comparsas party: Saturday, February 4 in the Plaza de la Paz.
• River Guacherna: The event, which is led by the Naval Social Action.
• Dance and cumbia festival:

Weekend events 2024

• La Guacherna is a nocturnal parade of lanterns, comparsas, costumes and celebrities, quite a spectacle to enjoy and even join one of the many groups that parade.
• Party and coronation of the kings of the children’s carnival: in the Plaza de la Paz.
• Night of Lanterns and Drums: Saturday, February 11, folkloric groups, cumbiambas, comparsas and costumes will begin their journey at 47th street with 84th street up to 59B street. 7:00 p.m. Organized by the Atlantic Folklore and Art Foundation (Fayfa).
• Election and coronation of the popular queen: the neighborhoods elect a queen to represent them in the popular queen contest. Reign that includes his coronation party on the day of the election and afterwards in his locality. In the Plaza de la Paz.
• Southwest Carnival Parade – Starting point. Carlos Meidel Children’s Home, Calle 76 # 24c-38.
• Gay Guacherna and Coronation of the Kings of the Gay Carnival -The Barranquilla carnival is an inclusive event that allows the representation of different classes, always present the gay parade who have a space to participate. Starts at 72nd street with 38th street up to 44th street and going down all the 44th street to 63rd street at 9:00 p.m.
• Children’s Carnival Parade: Great parade with children of all ages, with floats and music. It is led by childish kings. Cra 53 heading to the neighborhood below.

Weekend events 2024

• The night of the river: great sample of the traditional songs of the riverside towns of the Magdalena river that join the carnival of Barranquilla to show their art and their culture.
• Coronation of the carnival queen: Beautiful show with a show of great artistic quality.
• Dance in the street: Friday the 17th, Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of February in the par vial cra 50.

In addition to these events, you can also enjoy dance festivals, costume contests, and activities in the different traditional neighborhoods of the city.

The most important events of the pre-carnival of Barranquilla 2024

Lectura del bando – Saturday January 20

Folkloric show of tradition and music, where the festivities are officially declared open, through the delivery of the keys to the city and the Reading of the Bando.

Guacherna – February 2 2024

It will start at Carrera 44 with Calle 70, it will go down Carrera 44 until it reaches Calle 53, it will turn left to take Calle 53 to Carrera 54, it will turn right and continue until the Casa del Carnaval where it will end.

Coronation of the Carnival Queen – February 1, 2024

A tribute to the dance and to those who are passionate about this art, with 400 dancers on stage and the special participation.

Other events of the Carnival and Pre Carnival of Barranquilla 2024

Soon we will present other events of the Carnival of Barranquilla in the municipalities of the Atlantic.

Tips for coming to Carnival 2024 in Barranquilla

• Buy event tickets from officially accredited sites.
• Buy tickets in advance.
• Take into account the event’s start time to go to the place with enough time.
• Use a small, zippered bag or backpack and keep it forward to prevent theft.
• If possible, attend the events accompanied.
• The main events are held in via 40, they offer two locations with seats: palcos and mini palcos. The palcos have a high ceiling and offer amenities such as food sales, bathrooms, and live music. The mini palcos are located on the sidewalk of the sun; they are smaller, with a single floor and a lower price. The ticket office of both palcos includes the programming of the three days of parades.
• If you want to go only on Sunday or Monday to Via 40, you can get cheap tickets outside the palcos and minipalcos. The most expensive event is the “Batalla de Flores,” but they do not sell tickets only for Saturday. You must buy the three days.
• As a visitor, it is possible that you do not know the prices that are handled in the city. Each establishment must have a price list; always ask them to show it to you to know how much to pay before consuming.
• If you want to buy in an informal sale, inquire about the price beforehand to avoid inconvenience.
• Ask only police officers or your hotel receptionist to help you with information.
• If possible, arrange your transportation to and from the events. Public transportation may be difficult to get to some events.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or valuables when attending large events.

Things to know and keep in mind about Carnival 2024

• Traditionally as part of the fun, throwing foam or cornstarch is used. It is usually a game between friends, but you cannot avoid that at some point. A little of these elements falls on you. Be tolerant.
• Clutter is part of the party. So you have to adjust to the clutter a bit.

Who is the queen of the Barranquilla Carnival 2024?

Soon we will tell you who will be the queen of Carnival 2024 and king momo.

How to dress for 2024 Carnival events?

Barranquilla has hot weather. It is best to come in shorts, colorful t-shirts, tennis, a hat or a cap. Use sunscreen, and hydrate a lot.

Why come to Barranquilla for the carnivals?

This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the most entertaining events in Barranquilla. It is also a perfect time to explore its beautiful beaches, monuments, and local culture.

Where to buy tickets for the 2024 Barranquilla Carnival events?

Tickets to attend carnival events must be purchased from authorized sites, guaranteeing the ticket’s legitimacy. The main hotels provide ticket sales service for their guests, and travel agencies also offer the alternative of acquiring the ticket office in their tour package. Information about authorized sites is widely disseminated when the event is scheduled.

These are some of the websites where you can find ticket offices:

• https://www.tuboleta.com/
• https://latiquetera.com/
• https://eventu.co/
• https://www.taqui-co.com/

2024 Barranquilla Carnival with children

Barranquilla’s carnival is also for children!

The children are the seedbed of the carnival; they are the ones who continue the tradition so that the carnival never dies. The children who visit us can participate in the carnival, enjoy the fantasy of dressing up, and attend the parades.

At the carnival, children have their special day, schools, cultural houses, and folk groups and participate with their little ones in a great parade of floats and troupes in which they show all the talent and taste for these festivals. The parade this 2024 has not yet been contemplated. However, the Carnival will be held in the park for children where the little ones will be able to enjoy cultural activities in the city parks.

There are activities and game afternoons at the zoo, parks, and shopping centers where children attend in costumes.

Social clubs also hold children’s parades that follow the tradition of their parents and grandparents.

You can buy costumes for all ages at department stores and local merchandise stores.

Recommended events for children at the Barranquilla Carnival 2024

• Children’s Carnival Parade Great parade with children of all ages, with floats and music. It is led by childish kings. Cra 53 heading to Barrio abajo.
• Batalla de flores, gran parada de tradicón and gran parada de comparsas:  these are 3 parades that only children over 7 years old can attend. This is the age allowed in the boxes and mini-limes.
• Death of joselito on heald Tuesday on 84th street.

Children’s Carnival Queen 2024

Soon we will tell you who will be the queen of the Children’s Carnival 2024 and king momo.

What is the best way to get to Barranquilla?

Most visitors arrive in Barranquilla through the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

Where should I stay in Barranquilla for carnivals?

There are many different options to stay in the city during February, such as hotels and apartments. It is advisable to stay in the city’s north for greater security. In the north, you can find the most exclusive hotels in Barranquilla and smaller and cheaper hotels.

A good option may be to find a hotel or apartment near the events you are going to attend. See a list of Hotels in Barranquilla.

How much does a hotel stay cost at Carnivals?

The price of the hotel stay during February will change according to the room category, location, and availability at this time. Keep in mind that prices go up, so we recommend you reserve your room in advance.

What places should I visit during carnivals?

When planning your trip, it may be good to look up information about all the events and activities to better plan your stay. During February, you can enjoy many concerts of different musical genres such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, vallenato, and bolero.

In addition, there are many popular places worth visiting, such as the Malecón, the Plaza de la Paz, and la Aduana. You can also attend many cultural activities such as the carnival museum, the Caribbean museum, beaches, etc. Find the list of all the tourist sites of Barranquilla and its surroundings.

What is the best way to get around Barranquilla?

You can find many different transportation options in Barranquilla, including public buses and taxis. The most recommended are taxis ordered from your hotel, platforms, or taxi stations that identify which driver is responsible for taking the passenger. The most popular satellite station is 3222222. You call and request a taxi, and they give you a security code. The driver asks him to corroborate. From the taxi station, they know who the driver you requested is, and they know where the taxi is through GPS. Please note that taxi stations are located in shopping malls, hotels, and public places. For safety, avoid taking taxis on the street.

There is also the option of renting a car in Barranquilla, but keep in mind that carnival events have few parking spaces, and remember that if you are going to drink liquor you should not drive. Read Where to rent a car in Barranquilla?

Carnival Pico y Placa 2024

If you have a private car, there are 3 days that the peak and plate are applied in Barranquilla and you will not be able to travel with your vehicle on the street. The official programming has not yet come out but it is generally as follows:

Friday, February 9, 2024: From 2:00 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, license plates ending in 1 – 2 – 3 cannot transit.

Saturday, February 10, 2024: From 10:00 a.m. on Saturday until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, license plates ending in 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 will not be able to transit.

Sunday, February 11, 2024: From 10:00 a.m. on Sunday until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, license plates ending in 8 – 9 – 0 will not be able to transit.

Museo del Carnaval de Barranquilla

It is a museum with a modern and interactive design that allows its visitors to live and enjoy the most important parades of the festival, their dances, their music, their characters, and the costumes of the queens. It is located in the Abajo neighborhood next to Casa del Carnaval.

Website: https://museocarnavaldebarranquilla.org/elmuseo/
Tickets: https://www.tuboleta.com/eventos/detalle/museo-del-carnaval/10476786008

Carnival Dictionary

If you come to the carnival, these are some of the phrases you will hear often.

• Who lives it is who enjoys it: the motto of the carnival
• Cornstarch: It is flour that people throw each other others
• Aguardiente: is a liquor that is often drunk at the carnival
• Cumbiódromo: Name given to Vía 40; route or space used to carry out the main Carnival parades.
• Polleras party: Party of women with cumbiamberas skirts that takes place throughout the carnival.
• Litany: they recite verses in the form of a litany (verses that rhyme).
• Pea pea: it is a whistle that the marimonda uses. It sounds like flatulence.
• Marimonda: a costume that is a mixture of primate and elephant, representing the spirit of a man born in Barranquilla.
• Nojoda : expression of the Costeños, which means excellent or of amazement, disappointment, or joy.
• Frito: traditional food on the Colombian coast

Typical food of the Barranquilla Carnival

The Barranquilla Carnival is the perfect time to try the city’s delicacies. You can’t have breakfast without an arepa with egg or some chicharrones. A lunch with fried mojarra, a sancocho, or a steak with coconut rice. A cold malt as a snack and a shredded chuck with the cob are dishes that you cannot miss. Here we list all the typical food you can try and the typical food restaurants you must visit. Traditional food in Barranquilla

Tours in Barranquilla