Barranquilla Carnival 2025: Complete Guide
The 2025 Barranquilla Carnival is coming! You can already feel the taste of the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival! This event is going to be a party like no other, and you can’t miss it. Coming to the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival is an experience that has no comparison, so we want you to have all the information to enjoy it to the fullest, without missing a single concert, parade or party.
This guide brings EVERYTHING you need to know so you can enjoy the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival to the fullest. Enjoy it and let your soul loose at this coastal party!
Dates and Events of the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival
The Barranquilla Carnival is a celebration that conquers the entire world. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, this carnival overflows with joy, color, music, art, creativity and folklore. Every February/March, Barranquilla comes alive with this annual event, considered the largest and most significant festival in the city.
During the carnival, you can enjoy a wide variety of cultural and artistic activities, from concerts of different musical genres to theater plays and art festivals. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to delight in typical food and purchase regional crafts, all while immersing themselves in a festive and vibrant atmosphere.
Dates of the Barranquilla Carnival 2025
The 2025 Barranquilla Carnival will be celebrated in March, from Saturday, March 1st to Tuesday, March 4th. Each of these days will be full of special events and parades, but the party begins weeks before with a varied carnival program. The city is filled with vibrant energy from the moment of the Reading of the Bando, a symbolic act that marks the official start of the carnival season.
During this time, Barranquilla dresses up, decorating houses, shopping centers, avenues and iconic places with colorful and creative carnival figures, reflecting the festive and joyful spirit of the event.
The most important events in the 4 days of Carnivals 2025
Experience the Best of Barranquilla Carnival 2025: A Guide to the Parades
Get ready to enjoy the parade that has enamored all Barranquilleros and tourists year after year! The Barranquilla Carnival 2025 is going to be a four-day party full of merriment and joy. Via 40 will become the epicenter of the coolest parades, with the famous Battle of Flowers, the Grand Parade of Comparsas and the dazzling Grand Parade of Fantasy. And that’s not all. Other areas of the city, such as Carrera 44, Calle 17 and Calle 84, will also have their unique parades, showcasing the vibrant and diverse culture of Barranquilla. Come to Barranquilla and experience the joyful spirit of Carnival 2025!
Carnival Saturday: March 1, 2025
- Batalla de Flores – Battle of flowers: On Vía 40, the most spectacular parade of carnival floats takes place, adorned with art and creativity. In this parade, the carnival queen and King Momo preside over the event, while thousands of dancers and orchestras fill the celebration with rhythm and joy. The boxes along the route are filled with the public who enjoy the vibrant display. The floats dazzle with artists, beauty queens and participants of various contests, showing all the joy, folklore and art of the carnival. Remember, the parade now starts at 12:00 pm!
- King Momo Parade It takes place on Carnival Saturday on 17th Street, and its protagonist is King Momo of the Barranquilla Carnival.
- Dance on the street (Baila a la calle): An event where music, gastronomy and crafts come together to offer you a vibrant and joyful show. At the Par Vial de la Carrera 50, you can enjoy performances by musical, folkloric and litany groups, while you delight in a variety of typical foods and local crafts. Come and experience the party in the street and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm and flavor of Barranquilla!
- Comedy meeting: At the Metropolitan Park, laugh out loud with the best comedy talent. This event brings together outstanding comedians to offer you an afternoon full of humor and a good atmosphere. Come and enjoy a unique show in a relaxed, open-air environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to share laughter and fun at the Comedy Meeting!
- Batalla de Flores ‘Sonia Osorio’ Enjoy an explosion of color and folklore with more than one hundred local and national groups. The parade begins at La Troja, goes along Carrera 44 and ends at Plaza de la Paz. Get ready to vibrate with the joy and creativity of the best folklore groups in this emblematic event of the carnival. You can’t miss it!
- Concerts: Enjoy a variety of concerts in hotels, clubs, stadiums and other venues around the city. Check out the list below to find out about all the musical events you can enjoy during the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience live music in different places around the city!
Carnival Sunday: March 2, 2025
- Gran parada de tradición y folcror: A vibrant parade on Vía 40, where traditional folkloric groups dazzle with their typical dances such as cumbia, garabato, mapalé and more. Feel the rhythm and joy of our roots in this unique show!
- Orchestra Festival: One of the most anticipated events of the Carnival, the Orchestra Festival at the Romelio Martínez Stadium brings together the great artists of local, national and international music. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the best compete for the Congo de Oro and bring joy to Barranquilla with their music!
- Baila a la Calle / Night of Orchestras: At the Par Vial of Carrera 50, enjoy an explosive mix of music, gastronomy and crafts. Performances by musical, folkloric and litany groups will combine to offer you a show full of flavor and joy.
- Festival of letanías : An event full of tradition and coastal flavor, where litanies fill the atmosphere with stories and typical songs that reflect the essence of the Barranquilla Carnival.
- Comedy Gathering: Laugh out loud in the Metropolitan Park with a selection of the best comedians. Enjoy an afternoon outdoors full of humor and a good atmosphere.
- Great parade of the safeguarding and the Carlos Franco tradition: Organized by the Association of Folklore Groups of the Department of Atlántico, this parade begins in Olaya Park, goes along Carrera 21 and reaches Vía de la Cordialidad, showcasing the best of our traditions and folklore.
- Concerts: Check out the list below to find out all the concerts taking place in hotels, clubs, stadiums and other venues in Barranquilla. Get ready to enjoy a variety of musical events in different locations around the city!
Carnival Monday: March 3, 2025
- Gran Parada de comparsas: Experience the magic of Vía 40 with the Gran Parada de Comparsas, where fantasy and traditional groups perform to the rhythm of sounds from the Colombian Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, Hawaii and a fusion of traditional sounds. Don’t miss this parade full of color, music and joy!
- Comedy Gathering: Enjoy an afternoon of laughter at Almendra Park with the Comedy Meeting. Come and laugh with the best comedians and have a good time in a relaxed, open-air atmosphere. Fun is guaranteed!
Carnival Tuesday: March 4, 2025
- Joselito’s Burial – 84 street: The final celebration of the carnival comes with the Burial of Joselito, an emotional and traditional parade on Calle 84. Widows mourn and bury Joselito, and the comparsas dazzle in this celebration that closes the festivities. Organized by the Fundación de Arte y Folclor del Atlántico, this event is one of the most recommended to experience the essence of the carnival until the end.
- Joselito leaves with the ashes. Experience the tradition of the Joselito Parade on Carrera 54, between Barrio Prado and Barrio Abajo. This parade celebrates the spirit of carnival with parades and events that capture the essence of the festivity.
- Conquest of Carnival Don’t miss the Conquista del Carnaval! This parade begins on Carrera 8 Boulevard and heads to the Simón Bolívar neighborhood, offering a vibrant route that celebrates the carnival with rhythm and joy.
Boxes and mini-boxes for the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival on sale
COMING SOON!
What is the difference between a palcos and a minipalcos?
The palcos are larger, taller structures and have greater capacity. They are on the shadow side. They have bathrooms, and sale of food and drinks. They are easier to enter or exit during the show. They have a higher price. Take into account that the entrance ticket corresponds to the 3 days of festivities (Saturday, Sunday and Monday). They are generally much more comfortable and offer a better experience.
Minipalcos are smaller structures and are low. They are located on the sunny side of the street. Keep in mind that you will be sitting very close to the person next to you, if you go in a large group that occupies the total minipalco it is ideal. In the minipalcos you are closer to the parade, you can dance and take photos very closely of the parade participants. You need to get there early because you have to go through the parade to get in and out. The entrance ticket corresponds to the 3 days of festivities (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).
The chairs are the cheapest you can find to watch the parade. Keep in mind that they are next to the sun and are very rare. You must arrive very early to access these.
Which are the concerts of the Barranquilla Carnival 2025?
Every year, Barranquilla becomes the stage for concerts with national and international artists who fill the city with music and energy. Although specific concerts for 2025 have not yet been announced, here are some of the most traditional events that are usually part of the festival:
- 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 2025
When do the pre-carnivals 2025 start?
The festivities of the Barranquilla Carnival begin with an exciting season leading up to the main celebration, which lasts four days. In August of the year before the carnival, the central queen of the festivities is chosen, a great honor for any Barranquilla woman.
Pre-carnivals Events
For Carnival 2025, the official programme has not yet been published, but below we present the events that are usually part of the celebration:
January Events 2025
- Raising of the flag del Carnaval de Barranquilla
- Gran Malecón ‘Río de Tradiciones’, the largest open-air exhibition in the city.
- Lectura del Bando: Folklore show of tradition and music, where the festivities are officially declared open, by handing over the keys to the city and the Reading of the Bando.
- Fiesta de comparsas: Plaza de la Paz
- Dance and cumbia festival: Plaza de la Paz
- Tradition festival: it is a folkloric event.
- Comedy meeting: Parque sagrado corazon,
- Band and coronation of the kings of the children’s carnival: Plaza de la Paz.
- 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 election day and afterwards in his town.
- Coronation of the Carnival Queen of the 44th in the Plaza de la Paz. It will feature the participation of renowned musical groups and artists.
- Guacherna Fluvial: The event, which is led by Naval Social Action. It will be enlivened by important artists and groups. From the area of the Barranquilla Maritime Signaling dock on Vía 40, aboard vessels of the Colombian River Shipping Company. A party with a social meaning that runs along the Magdalena River to the rhythm of folklore and tradition.
February Events 2025
- 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.
- 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. Sunday
- 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 8:00 p.m.
- Night of Lanterns and Drums: Saturday, February 3 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).
- Southwest Carnival Parade – Starting point. Carlos Meidel Children’s Home, Calle 76 # 24c-38. 1:00pm
- Battle of Flores and Intermunicipal Reign of Santo Tomas: Saturday,
- Guacherna in Puerto Colombia: From 6:30 pm from the Malecón of the municipality ending in Plaza Francisco Javier Cisneros.
- Diverse Carnival in Sabanagrande: 7:00pm from the Central Plaza to the Ecopark.
- Carnival for children and seniors in Soledad: in Soledad. from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in the Plaza Mayor.
- The night of the river: a great example of the traditional songs of the riverside towns of the Magdalena River that join the Barranquilla Carnival to show their art and culture. Pair of roads between Carrera 50 and Calle Murillo.
- Coronation of the carnival queen: Beautiful spectacle with a show of great artistic quality. Romelio Martinez Stadium.
- Dance in the street: Pair of roads between Carrera 50 and Calle Murillo.
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 2025
Lectura del 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 Reading of the Bando.
Guacherna
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
A tribute to dance and to those passionate about this art, with 400 dancers on stage and the special participation of artists.
Essential Tips for Enjoying Carnival 2025 in Barranquilla
- Buy event tickets from officially accredited sites.
- Buy tickets in advance.
- During Carnival time everything sells out quickly. So book hotels, tickets to events and tours well 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.
- 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 Carnival Queen 2025?
The 2025 Carnival queen is Tatiana Angulo Fernández de Castro, a 24-year-old architect and member of the collective costume ‘Los Gorilas’, from the Fernández de Castro dynasty of Carnival queens.
Who is the Momo king of the Barranquilla Carnival 2025?
The Momo king of the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival has not yet been named.
How to dress for 2025 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.
-
Camisetas de Marimonda$ 30.000 – $ 35.000 -
Camisetas De Carnaval Para Niños$ 30.000 -
Camisetas Carnaval de Barranquilla Sublimadas$ 30.000
Why come to Barranquilla for the carnivals?
The Barranquilla Carnival is the perfect opportunity to live an unforgettable experience. During this celebration, you can enjoy the most vibrant and entertaining events, full of music, dance and color. In addition to the carnival, it is the ideal time to explore the city’s beautiful beaches, admire its historical monuments, visit iconic tourist sites and immerse yourself in the rich local culture. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique party and discover everything Barranquilla has to offer!
Where to buy tickets for the 2025 Barranquilla Carnival events?
To attend the events of the Barranquilla Carnival, be sure to purchase your tickets only from authorized sites, which guarantees the legitimacy of the ticket. Major hotels offer ticket sales services for their guests, and travel agencies also include the option to purchase tickets within their tour packages. Information about authorized sites is widely disseminated when the event is scheduled, so stay tuned for updates to ensure your participation in this unique festivity.
These are some of the websites where you can find ticket offices:
Childrens Carnival
Barranquilla’s carnival is also for children!
Children are the heart and future of the Barranquilla Carnival, preserving tradition and ensuring that the festivity never dies. During the carnival, children have their special day to enjoy the fantasy of dressing up and participating in the parades.
Schools, cultural centers and folklore groups organize parades of floats and troupes dedicated to the little ones, who show their talent and enthusiasm for these festivities. In addition, activities and game afternoons are held at the zoo, parks and shopping centers, where children have fun in costume and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Social clubs also contribute with parades for children, continuing the family tradition and celebrating the carnival with the same joy and passion as their parents and grandparents. Carnival is also for the little ones, and their participation makes the party even more special!
In department stores and in places selling typical items, you can buy carnival costumes for all ages.
Recommended events for children at the Barranquilla Carnival 2025
- 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 and King 2025
The Kings of the Children’s Carnival 2025 have not yet been chosen.
What is the best way to get to Barranquilla?
Most visitors arrive in Barranquilla through the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport. If you arrive from Santa Marta or Cartagena you can take a puerta puerta.
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.
My recommended hotels to stay in the Carnival of Barranquilla are:
- Hotel El Prado : It is old, the traditional hotel of Barranquilla that has a lot of history, in addition, it is close to the parades and inside the hotel they make one of the best carnival parties. For convenience and proximity this is a very good option.
- Dann Carlton: Great location, it is in front of the Buena Vista Shopping Center where you can easily walk and explore the best shopping centers: Buena Vista Shopping Center 1 and 2, Mall Plaza (all 3 interconnected by a bridge) and Plaza del Parque (has nightclubs, bars, casinos and restaurants.)
- Crowne Plaza – Located next to Mall Plaza, in front of Plaza del Parque and diagonal to the 2 CC Buena Vista. In addition, you can stroll along the Buena Vista boulevard.
- Estelar Alto Prado -This option is ideal if you are going to the Country Club party as it is right next door. In front you find the Jumbo store, restaurants and cafes, and the Villa Country shopping center. It is a nice area, central, and with easy transportation.
- Hotel Marriott – if you are looking for luxury and comfort. Hotel Marriott It is the newest and most modern in the city. It is a bit far away but transportation in Barranquilla is cheap and easy to find.
- Barranquilla Plaza and NH Collection Royal Smartsuites: Located in the area of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. It is also an excellent option for location.
- Washington Plaza y Four Points by Sheraton : Located right next to Washington Park where you can find restaurants and bars.
- Movich Buro 51: Very elegant hotel, located a few blocks from shopping centers. It has a great spa!
- Hampton by Hilton, Radisson Hotel Diamond, Ibis Barranquilla, Wyndham Garden all located close to the clinics and medical sector. Very close to the VIVA mall. They are less luxurious options but well located.
- If you want to stay in cheaper hotels but very well located you can explore Hotel Génova Prado and Apartahotel Torre del Prado through the old part of the city (Barrio el Prado). In the shopping center area to the north you can find Hotel OR Suites (right next to the Movich Buro 51). American Golf Hotel on 82nd Street, one of the main streets. Windsor Hotel on 84th Street, where there are thousands of bars and taverns. (Some pre-carnival parades and the death of Joselito pass by on Calle 84).
SUPER RECOMMENDATION BOOK YOUR HOTEL NOW. At Carnival time the prices go up a lot and they sell out very quickly. So if you haven’t booked yet, do it NOW!
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.
Most popular tours of Barranquilla
What is the best way to get around Barranquilla?
You can find many different transportation options in Barranquilla including public buses, taxis, Uber, Didi. The most recommended are taxis ordered from your hotel, platforms or taxi stations that identify which driver is responsible for taking the passenger.
In Barranquilla, the Uber, Didi and Indriver platforms operate.
There is also the option of renting a car in Barranquilla, but keep in mind that the carnival events have few parking spaces and remember that if you are going to drink alcohol you should not drive. See pico y placo. Read Where to rent a car in Barranquilla?
Do you need vans, trucks or buses for groups?
Contact us for a personalized quote. Our team will be happy to help you plan and coordinate the ideal transportation for your group. Feel free to call or message us for more information and to book today! 313 4156582 WE SPEAK ENGLISH
Carnival Pico y Placa 2025
If you have a private car, there are 3 days that the pico y placa is applied in Barranquilla and you will not be able to travel with your vehicle on the street. The programming is generally as follows but the official version has not yet been released:
Friday: From 6:00 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, license plates ending in 1 – 2 – 3 cannot transit.
Saturday: From 11:00 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: From 11:00 a.m. on Sunday until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, license plates ending in 8 – 9 – 0 will not be able to transit.
Barranquilla Carnival Museum
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
Related Carnival articles
- Hotels to stay at the Carnival
- Typical food of Barranquilla
- Traditional Barranquilla Restaurants
- Tourist sites in Barranquilla
- What to do in Barranquilla?
- Bars and nightclubs in Barranquilla
#tourismbarranquilla #carnivalsbarranquilla
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