Barranquilla and Atlántico Carnival
"He who experiences it is he who enjoys it."
The second largest carnival in the world. Four days where you don't just watch—you dance, get covered in cornstarch, and have the party of your life. 6.7 million visitors can't be wrong.
How long until the fun begins?
4
Holidays
6.7M
Visitors 2025
700+
Performing artists
#2
Globally
25
years as National Heritage
150
years of the Great Congo
90ª
Carnival Queen
15
municipalities on the Route of Tradition
This is how Carnival is celebrated
Color, music, tradition, and an energy that cannot be explained in words.
Battle of Flowers - Barranquilla
The Marimonda
Grand Folklore Parade - Galapa
Grand Parade - Barranquilla
Battle of Flowers - Saint Thomas
Queen 2026
Son de Negro - National Heritage
Fantasy Parade - Barranquilla
Ceremony of Death - Soledad
Carnival Museum
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The Atlantic Carnival
Oh, and you thought Carnival was only in Barranquilla? Not at all. The dances, masks, and rhythms that are now considered World Heritage were born in the towns of Atlántico. The Governor's Office connects 15 events on the Route of Tradition, and each municipality has its own festival with a history that you can't miss.
From the Ceremonial of Death in Soledad to the Great Parade of the South in Manatí, this is where it all began. And best of all: all these events are free.
Stefanny Carolina Martinez Barcelo
A Soledeña at heart, Stefanny represents the cultural identity of the 15 municipalities of Atlántico that have Carnival in their blood. Appointed by the Government of Atlántico, her mission is to raise awareness of the traditions that originate outside Barranquilla and are the roots of everything that is now a World Heritage Site.
Soledad, Atlántico · Atlantic Carnival 2026
Death Ceremony
January 20 · 200,000 viewers
This is where the Route of Tradition begins. Death and Life face off in the square with more than 2,500 artists on stage, and in the end, Life always wins. It's a tradition from colonial times that was almost lost in the 1970s, but the people of Soledad fought tooth and nail to save it. 200,000 people can't be wrong.
Sirenato de la Cumbia
January 29-31 · 13,000+ people
Three nights paying tribute to His Majesty La Cumbia. Cumbia dance circles in the square, the Grand Parade 'Carlos Suárez Pereira', and the coronation of the Sirena, broadcast on Telecaribe. If you really like cumbia, this is where it all began.
Millo Festival
January 31 · 5,000+ people
41 years and counting! Here, they honor millo, the grain that gives the municipality its name and the instrument that adds flavor to cumbia music. 1,500 artists dancing puya to the rhythm of "Tusa sobre tusa, el millo tiene pelusa" (Tusa on tusa, millo has fluff). You won't see that anywhere else.
Santoto Flower Battle
February 7 · 300,000+ viewers
Santoto is something else, brother. It's the Carnival Capital of the Atlantic, declared a National Cultural Heritage Site by law. More than 300,000 people, the Danza de los Goleros dance with more than 100 years of history, the Marimondas de Santo Tomás... If you think Barranquilla is the only place with a Battle of Flowers, you don't know Santoto.
Grand Folklore Parade
February 8 · 50,000+ viewers
Those masks you see at the Barranquilla Carnival? Well, they all come from here. Galapa is the capital of masks, hand-carved from red ceiba wood by masters such as José Llanos and Manuel Pertúz. Over 7,000 Carnival makers, 160 groups, and the Danza del Congo Grande with 141 years of history. The seedbed of folklore.
Carnival of Memories
February 8 · 30,000+ viewers
35 years remembering the greats of Baranoa folklore. This is where the Negros Macoqueros were born, a dance with more than 73 years of history that honors the farmers who went into the mountains with their macoco (short machete). It is also where the Queen of the Atlantic Carnival is crowned. Baranoa is living memory.
Great Caribbean Guacherna
February 7 · 50,000+ viewers
If you like the Guacherna in Barranquilla, wait until you see the one in Sabanalarga. At night, with lanterns lighting up the streets, cumbiambas everywhere, and millo music echoing through the air. 50,000 people enjoying themselves under the Caribbean stars. The magic of the guacherna at its finest.
Carnival of the South and its Riverbanks
February 15 · Thousands of spectators
The traditions that came down the Magdalena River live on here. They are Son de Negro, Son de Pajarito, Diablos Espejos... everything that was born on the banks of the southern Atlantic. A tribute to the cultural managers who keep alive that African and riverside heritage that gives flavor to Carnival.
The dances that originated here
Everything you see on Via 40 has its origins in the municipalities of Atlántico. Son de Negro came from Canal del Dique, the Congo masks from Galapa, and the Macoqueros from Baranoa. Each step tells a story of resistance and joy that has been echoing for centuries.
They are black.
Saint Lucia · Repelón · Canal del Dique
This is Africa in the Caribbean, okay. The dancers paint themselves black, grab their wooden machetes, and dance with a force that makes your hair stand on end. It originated in the 17th century among the communities of the Canal del Dique. In 2025, it was declared a National Cultural, Ethnic, and Historical Heritage Site. That says it all.
Black Macoqueros
Baranoa · 73+ years of tradition
The macoco is the short machete used by farmers from Barranquilla who went into the mountains to work the land. For more than 73 years, they have been dancing this story of strength and resilience. In 2026, the Atlantic Carnival will pay tribute to them. It's about time, because without them, the folklore of this department cannot be understood.
Congo dance
Galapa · African Heritage
One of the oldest Carnival traditions, with African warrior roots. Headdresses adorned with flowers, wooden machetes, and masks that only come from Galapa, carved from red ceiba wood by master craftsmen such as José Llanos and Manuel Pertúz. Congo Grande is celebrating its 141st anniversary and continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
Cumbia
Puerto Colombia · National Heritage
The mother of all Colombian rhythms. Three roots in a single dance: indigenous, African, and European. The woman with her lit candles, the man courting her with his hat... and everything spinning in a circle like life itself. In Puerto Colombia, they celebrate the Sirenato de la Cumbia to honor it as it deserves.
The Kings of the Party
90th Carnival Queen
Michelle Char
King Momo 2026
Adolfo Maury
Carnival Queen
Michelle Char Fernandez
At 23, Michelle is the fourth queen in her family— atrue carnival dynasty. An interior designer trained in Milan, she has been dancing with the Barranquilla Ballet for 10 years and has won two Congos de Oro awards with the Fuerza Negra group. She doesn't just represent Carnival, she is Carnival.
King Momo
Adolfo Maury Cabrera
Director of Congo Grande de Barranquilla—the oldest dance group in the Carnival, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Fourth generation of leaders, heir to the legacy of his grandfather Ventura Cabrera. 17 Congos de Oro awards that speak for themselves.
Pre-Carnival
The party starts well before the 14th. These events are so good that many locals prefer them to the main parades.
Reading of the Proclamation
Here's where the action is! Over 700 artists on stage performing 'Raíz Negra', a tribute to our African heritage that will give you goosebumps.
Romelio Martínez Stadium
The Guacherna
Oh, and you're going to miss this? Thousands of lanterns lighting up the night while cumbia music plays. Many locals say it's better than the Battle of Flowers.
Career 44
The Night of the River
20 years celebrating our Caribbean heritage on the banks of the Magdalena River. Music, breeze, and the river as our witness. A magical night in Curramba.
River Promenade
Coronation of the Kings
Michelle Char and Adolfo Maury receive their crowns. And to top off the night, Juan Luis Guerra in concert! That alone justifies the trip, right?
Romelio Martínez Stadium
🎤 Juan Luis Guerra at the Coronation
On February 13, the legendary Dominican artist will light up the Romelio Martínez Stadium. Kapo and Diego Daza will also be performing. That alone makes the trip worthwhile.
The 4 Days of Madness
Every day has its magic. If you can only come one day, make it Saturday. But if you can stay all four days... that's something else entirely.
Saturday, February 14
11:00 AM
Battle of Flowers
The highlight of Carnival. More than 160 groups, floats covered in natural flowers, and the Queen on her throne. This is what the whole world comes to see.
Sunday, February 15
12:00 PM
Grand Parade of Tradition
This is the heart of Carnival. Cumbia, mapalé, congo, garabato... all the traditional dances with live music. If you want to understand our culture, this is the day.
Monday, February 16
12:00 PM
Grand Fantasy Parade
Unlimited creativity. The dance troupes dazzle in costumes that look like they're from another planet. Feathers, sequins, glitter... a visual spectacle you won't forget.
Tuesday, February 17
3:00 PM
Joselito's funeral
The most emotional ending there is. The 'widows' mourn Joselito as he is paraded down Carrera 54. Laughter, tears, and the promise to return next year.
Where do I stand
at the Cumbiódromo?
Route 40 becomes a 5-kilometer walkway where more than 160 groups pass through over 5-6 hours. But beware: not all points are the same.
Understanding where to stay can be the difference between the best experience of your life and a "meh, I expected more." Here's how to choose wisely.
5 km
travel
5-6 hours
each fashion show
160+
groups
The Cumbiódromo - Route 40
5 kilometers • 5-6 hours of parade • +160 groups
Home - 17th Street
📍 Customs Sector
Metropolitan Stadium Area
Recommended📍 First few kilometers
The premium zone. The groups are still in high spirits, and this is where they really shine.
⭐ The best location, without question
Center Boxes
📍 Halfway point
Cumbiódromo
📍 Heart of Via 40
Final - 54th Street
📍 Romelio Martínez Stadium
Local tip: The performers come out full of energy at the start, but after six hours of dancing at 32°C, the show loses steam. Stands near the Metropolitano = best show.
Meet Marimonda!
The most beloved and entertaining character of Carnival. With its long nose, large ears, and playful movements, the Marimonda represents the mockery, satire, and coastal humor that make our carnival unique.
Origin: Created in 1888, it represents a mockery of high society.
Symbol: Freedom, joy, and the irreverent spirit of the Caribbean
Characteristic: His improvised dances make everyone laugh.
All Events
The Characters of Carnival
Each costume tells a story of resilience, humor, and cultural heritage. This isn't just a party—it's living memory.
The Marimonda
The only character who was born here. That long nose, elephant ears, and backwards pants are a mockery of the wealthy of the 19th century. More than 100 years of mocking the elite.
It is said that a poor tailor invented it using scraps of fabric.
Click to learn more →
The Scribble
The eternal struggle between life and death. The dancers, with their wooden machetes and red capes, represent the triumph of joy over sadness. The colors are those of our flag.
The garabato is the stick they use to 'fight' against death.
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The Congo
Our direct connection to Africa. The flower-filled headdresses, wooden machetes, and warrior-like movements honor the ancestors who brought their culture on ships.
The Congo Grande celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026
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The Monocuco
The freedom to be whoever you want without anyone recognizing you. The colorful hooded costume allows you to dance, shout, and enjoy yourself without inhibitions. That is the spirit of Carnival.
No one knows who you are under the disguise.
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The Carnival Bull
The strength, energy, and bravery of Carnival personified. With its wooden and fabric structure, the Torito parades through the streets, making everyone who crosses its path dance. It is overflowing joy that never stops.
The dancers carry the bull and make it playfully "charge" at people.
Click to learn more →
The Black Macoqueros
The Atlantic countryside turned into dance. The 'macoco' is the short machete used by the Baranoa farmers who went into the mountains to work the land. More than 73 years dancing the strength, resilience, and pride of rural life. Honored at the 2026 Atlantic Carnival.
Official tribute to the 2026 Atlantic Carnival
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The Sound of Black
Pure Africa in the Caribbean. The dancers paint themselves black, grab wooden machetes, and dance with an ancestral force that was born on the banks of the Canal del Dique among the enslaved communities of the 17th century. Declared a National Heritage Site in 2025.
Cultural, Ethnic, and Historical Heritage of the Nation (2025)
Click to learn more →
The Masks of Galapa
All the masks you see at Carnival come from here. Hand-carved from red ceiba wood by master craftsmen such as José Llanos, Francisco Padilla, and Manuel Pertúz. For generations, the galapos have been turning pieces of wood into bulls, gorillas, alligators, and birds that come to life in the streets.
Exhibited in Lisbon, Portugal · Medal for Mastery of Colombian Crafts
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Box Seats and Tickets
The boxes on Via 40 are only sold as a 3-day package (Saturday to Monday). There are no individual tickets for the Battle of Flowers.
Please note: VisitAtlántico does not sell tickets or box seats. This information is a reference guide to help you plan your trip. Prices may vary depending on availability.
Premium / VIP
The best locations on Route 40. Access all 3 days (Sat-Mon). Shade guaranteed.
Standard Boxes
Good visibility, covered seating, 3-day access. The best value for money.
Mini stages
Smaller covered areas, 3-day access. Perfect if you're on a tight budget.
Free Events
La Guacherna, Joselito's Burial, neighborhood festivals. The real Carnival costs nothing.
Where to buy? Only official channels
TuBoleta
Main official channel
Carnival S.A.S.
Official website
Physical location
Cra 53 No. 79-41, Casino Río
Beware of scammers! There are fake websites such as "tu-boleta.online" that have stolen money from tourists. The best seats sell out 2-3 weeks in advance. Only purchase through the channels listed above.
How much do I spend on Carnival?
Realistic budgets for four days of partying. You can enjoy Carnival on any budget—the important thing is to be there.
💵 Tip: Bring cash for street vendors and fried foods. Exchange rate: ~4,000 COP = $1 USD. The safest ATMs are in shopping malls.
Secrets of Barranquillero
Tips that separate tourists from those who truly experience Carnival. You won't find this in any other guidebook.
The golden rule of boxes
Choose seats between the beginning and the middle of the route. After six hours of dancing in 32°C heat, even the best groups get exhausted. You'll see the best show near the Metropolitano.
Neighborhood festivals
The real Carnival is in the neighborhoods: El Bambú in Olaya, Polvorín in San José, A Pleno Sol in La Unión. Free, authentic, and where people dance until sunrise.
La Guacherna is what it is
Many Barranquilla residents prefer La Guacherna (February 6) to the main parades. The nighttime parade with lanterns has a magic that cannot be found during the day.
84th Street when it's all over
When the parades end, artists and locals head to the bars on Calle 84. There you can hear stories that aren't in any tourist guide.
Santoto is the best-kept secret
The Battle of Flowers in Santo Tomás attracts 300,000 people and is a National Heritage event. It has the same energy as Barranquilla but is closer, more rural, and more authentic. And it's free. Those in the know go to Santoto.
The village girls
If you like the Guacherna in Barranquilla, wait until you see the ones in Sabanalarga or Polonuevo. They are more intimate, with real lanterns, and you dance alongside the artists themselves. No barriers, just pure enjoyment.
Need help planning?
Jimmy, our virtual assistant from Barranquilla, helps you put together the perfect itinerary and answers all your questions about Carnival. It's like having a friend who knows every corner of the party. 🎉
Ready to have fun?
We'll be waiting for you at Curramba.
The 2026 Barranquilla and Atlantic Carnival will be historic: 25 years as National Heritage, 150 years of the Congo Grande, 15 municipalities on the Route of Tradition, and Juan Luis Guerra live. The question is not whether you should go. It's when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to enjoy the Barranquilla and Atlántico Carnival 2026
Dates you need to know:
📅 Jan. 17: Reading of the Proclamation - this is when everything kicks off
📅 Feb. 6: La Guacherna (7:00 p.m.) - at night with lanterns, a thing of beauty
📅 Feb. 13: Coronation + Juan Luis Guerra
📅 Feb. 14: Battle of Flowers (11:00 a.m.) - the main event
📅 Feb. 15: Grand Traditional Parade (12:00 PM)
📅 Feb. 16: Grand Fantasy Parade (12:00 PM)
📅 Feb. 17: Burial of Joselito (3:00 PM) - the emotional finale
Still have questions?
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