Guide for Barranquilla Carnivals 2022

READ BARRANQUILLA CARNIVALS 2024 GUIDE

The Barranquilla Carnival 2022 is a celebration declared by UNESCO as Masterpiece of Humanity’s Intangible and Oral Heritage, it is a celebration full of joy, color, music, art, creativity, and folklore.

Carnival is the most important event that is celebrated in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia it takes place every year in the months of February or March. The main attraction of the carnival is the costume parades and troupes enlivened by bands that play happy music, which takes place in the main streets of Barranquilla. Expert dancers perform beautiful choreographies accompanying colorful floats. The carnival offers cultural and artistic activities, concerts of different musical genres, plays, and art festivals. You can also enjoy spaces that offer typical foods, and sales of crafts from the region, all framed in an atmosphere of celebration and joy.

As it happens every year this colorful and joyful party will take place in 2022 in the month of March, starting on Saturday, March 26, 2022, until Tuesday, March 29. On each day of the carnival, special events and parades are held, however, in the weeks prior to these days, there is also a wide carnival program. The city vibrates with its party from the Lectura del bando, a symbolic act that starts the carnival season.

Barranquilla decorates its houses, shopping centers, avenues, and emblematic places with the allegorical figures of the carnival in an exhibition of colors and creativity.

The most important events of the Barranquilla pre-carnival

The carnival begins with a season prior to the four days of the festival. Since the month of August of the year before the carnival, the central queen of the festivities has been chosen, for Barranquilla women, it is an honor to preside over this important festival. This honor always goes to a graceful, cheerful young woman with great mastery of the art of dancing traditional rhythms, who with great sympathy serves as an ambassador of the festivities in the country and internationally, the Carnival Queen of 2022 is Valeria Charris Salcedo.

The following events have been scheduled for Carnival 2022:

• Raising of the flag del Carnaval de Barranquilla – February 11, 2022
• Coronation of the 44 Carnival queen – march 5th
• La Guacherna is a night parade of lanterns, comparsas, costumes, and celebrities, a show to enjoy, and even join one of the many groups that parade. It will be on Friday, March 18, 2022.
• Southwest Carnival Parade – March 19.
• Parade of Lanterns and Drums – March 19.
• Gay Parade: Barranquilla’s carnival is an inclusive event that allows the representation of different estates, always presenting the gay parade who have a space to participate.– March 19
• Children’s Carnival great parade with children of all ages, with floats and music. It is led by the child king and queen. Monday, March 21, from 5:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Paz, the coronation and parade of the 2022 Children’s Carnival on the Malecón, starting at 3:00 p.m., on the same Monday.
• Festival of tradition: it is a folkloric event that will take place from March 19 to 21. Parque Sagrado Corazón
• Coronation of the carnival queen: Beautiful show on Friday, March 25, 2022, with a show of great artistic quality. Presents renowned international orchestras. 8 pm
• Carnavalada – March 26 to 29

In the weeks before the carnival, certain events take place that in 2022 have not yet established a date:

• Carnival of the elderly They participate in various groups.
• Guacherna fluvial : Walk along the Magdalena River in boats decorated with carnival motifs, enlivened with live music. A whole party of joy in a beautiful landscape
• Carnival of the arts with international artists as special guests.
• The sirenato de la cumbia is a beautiful sample of folklore represented by excellent dancers of this rhythm typical of the region, who compete for the title in a show worthy of appreciation.
• The night of the river: great sample of the traditional songs of the riverside towns of the Magdalena River that join the Barranquilla Carnival to show their art and culture.
• Popular queens reign: the neighborhoods choose a queen to represent them in the contest of the popular queen. Reign that includes his coronation feast on Election Day and later in his locality.

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 in the 4 days of Carnivals 2022

This is the list of the events that traditionally take place in the 4 days of the Barranquilla Carnival. Parades with their own characteristics are held on the stage of Via 40 during the four days of festivities: battle of flowers (Batalla de Flores), the great parade of tradition (Gran Parada de tradición), the great parade of comparsas (Gran Parada de comparsas). In other sectors of the city such as Carrera 44, Calle 17, Calle 84 parades are also held during those days.

Saturday Carnival: March 26, 2022

• 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 congregates 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 in each costume
• King Momo Parade: it takes place on Carnival Saturday on 17th Street, with King Momo from the Barranquilla Carnival as the protagonist. 2:00pm
• Battle of Flowers of Memory Sonia Osorio Carnaval de la 44, (Batalla de Flores del Recuerdo) organized by the Association of Folkloric Groups of the Department of Atlántico, has been scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm.
• 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. Par Vial Cra. 50 – 5:00 p.m.
• Great Carnival concert: Romelio Martínez Stadium 8:00 pm

Sunday Carnival: March 27, 2022

• Gran parada de tradición: It is a parade on Via 40 where traditional folkloric comparsas show their dances such as cumbia, garabato, mapalé, among others. Vía 40 – 12:00 p.m.
• 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 to his people. Romelio Martinez Stadium – 3:00 p.m.
• 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. Par Vial Cra. 50 – 5:00 p.m.
• Festival of letanías : cuchilla Barrio abajo
• Comedy Gathering: Parque Olaya
• Great parade of the safeguarding and the Carlos Franco tradition: organized by the Association of Folkloric Groups of the Department of the Atlantic, they have been scheduled for Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 12:00 pm.
• Traditional music concert in homage to ‘Toto La Momposina’

Monday Carnival: March 28, 2022

• 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. Via 40 – 1:00 p.m.
• 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. Par Vial Cra. 50 – 5:00 p.m.
• Comedy Gathering: Parque Olaya
• Toja Pa´ la calle 2022 event: Carrera 44 between Calle 72 and 74, from Monday, March 28 at 09:00 am to Tuesday, March 29 at 11:59 pm.
• Safeguard and children in the Carnival: between 9 AM and 1 PM, the children will safeguard the tradition and patrimonial expressions of the Carnival. This time the stage will take place in the Electrificadora park where more than 300 children who make the carnival will be at fixed stations presenting themselves and preserving the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.

Tuesday Carnival: March 29, 2022

• 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: Carrera 54 Calle 58 – 4:00 p.m.
• Toja Pa´ la Calle 2022 event: Carrera 44 between Calle 72 and 74, from Monday, March 28 at 09:00 am to Tuesday, March 29 at 11:59 pm.

Which are the concerts of the Barranquilla Carnival 2022?

Pa la Calle de la 50

Friday March 25th 2022 – 4:00pm Jean Carlos Centeno, Elder Dayan Diaz, Ana Del Castillo, Jader «el Tremendo» El Imperio Completo. Buy Tickets

Metro Concierto de Carnaval

El Metro Carnival concert on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Artists such as Alejandro Fernandez, Sergio Vargas, Jorge Celedón, Poncho Zuleta, Michel El Buenón, Kevin Florez, Checo Acosta. It will be at the Puerta de Oro. Buy your ticket at Ticketshop.com

Karol G

Karol G will perform on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the Romelio Martínez stadium. Buy your ticket at: https://tuboleta.com

Sábado de Carnaval pal Pueblo

Saturday, March 26, 2022 Nelson Velasquez, Elder Dayan, Silvestre Dangond, El Imperio, Juanda Caribe Show, Gi Black, Jader Tremendo + Todos Sus Djs. Cancha La Magdalena. Buy tickets

PRADO ES PRADO – EL MERENGAZO DEL CARNAVAL

Wilfrido Vargas, Rikarena, Bonny Cepeda, Ivan Villazon, La Familia André, Omar Payano, Bazurto All Star. Buy Tickets

Metrofest Puerto Colombia

Metrofest Puerto Colombia on Sunday March 27, 2022, with Silvestre Dangond, Alexis & Fido, Elder Dayan, Diego Daza, Rafa Pérez, Mono Zabaleta, Mr. Black, Lil Silvio El Vega, Checo Acosta, the Faces, Nómina Del Pin, Mauricio Palacio. Guests: Samuel Pérez and Derian Munive. Club Campestre del Caribe. Buy your ticket at: https://eventu.co/eventos/metrofest/

CarnavalOn

CarnavalOn is on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Puerta de Oro. It presents the sex symbol artist for the first time in Barranquilla, Rauw Alejandro. Tickets in: https://eventu.co/eventos/carnaval-on/

Moys a la Calle

Tips for coming to Carnival 2022 in Barranquilla

• Get vaccinated.
• Buy event tickets from officially accredited sites.
• Buy tickets in advance.
• Take into account the start time of the event 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 that take place on via 40 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 cheaper 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 3 days.
• It is possible that as a visitor you do not know the prices that are handled in the city. It is the obligation of each establishment to have a price list, always ask them to show it to you so that you 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 for example 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 at some events.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or valuables when attending large events.

Things to know and keep in mind about Carnival 2022

• 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.

How to dress for 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.

Covid and Carnivals 2022

Based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health, through resolution 1687 of October 15, 2021, which requires the holding of mass events in the country, the following measures will be accepted: one hundred percent capacity, presentation of the physical and digital certificate of the complete vaccination scheme, use of masks and distancing.

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 2022 Barranquilla Carnival events?

Tickets to attend carnival events must be purchased from authorized sites, which guarantees the legitimacy of the ticket. In the main hotels they provide the ticket sales service for their guests, 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.

Tickets for Carnival Parades 2022

Tickets for festival de orquestas

Tickets for baile a la calle

Tickets for coronación de la reina 2022

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

• https://www.tuboleta.com/
• https://www.eticket.co
• https://eventu.co/

What is the best way to get to Barranquilla?

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

What places should I visit during carnivals?

When planning your trip, it may be a good idea to look up information about all the events and activities that take place to better plan your stay. During the month of February, you can enjoy a multitude of 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, 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.

Where should I stay in Barranquilla for carnivals?

There are many different options to stay in the city during the month of February such as hotels and apartments. It is advisable to stay in the north of the city for greater security. In the north, you can find the most exclusive hotels in Barranquilla, but also 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 the month of February will change according to the category of the room, location, and availability at this time. Keep in mind that prices go up at this time so we recommend you reserve your room in advance.

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 the 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 through GPS where the taxi is. 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?

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, 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 2022 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.

At the zoo, parks, and shopping centers there are activities and game afternoons that 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 2022

• Carnival to the park for the children – Monday Electrificadora Park.
• 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.
• Country Club Garabato. It is a parade where the children and members of the club dance down the street.

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 man born in Barranquilla.
• Nojoda : expression of the Costeños which means great or of amazement, disappointment or joy.
• Fried : traditional food on the Colombian coast

Typical food of the Barranquilla Carnival

The Barranquilla Carnival is the perfect time to try the delicacies that the city offers. 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, or a shredded chuck with the cob are dishes that you cannot miss. Here we list all the typical food that you can try and the typical food restaurants that you must visit.

Related Carnival articles

• Hotels to stay at the Carnival
• Typical food of Barranquilla
• Typical Barranquilla Restaurants
• Tourist sites in Barranquilla
• What to do in Barranquilla?

Tours in Barranquilla