The local calendar is full of events, fairs and festivals in which Colombians celebrate their identity through artistic expressions such as music, dance and theater.
Music
Estereo Picnic Festival
Where: near Bogota
After 11 years, this festival has become an opportunity to find on the same stage bands like Guns N’ Roses, The Strokes and The Chemical Brothers, as well as up and coming bands.
Vallenata Legend Festival
Where: Valledupar
The flavorful and unique way in which we play the accordion in Colombia made UNESCO declare Vallenato an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The festival is well renowned both nationally and internationally.
Petronio Alvarez Festival
Where: Cali
It has become the biggest and most representative festival of Afro-Colombian folklore. Its musical rhythms, the flavor of its concoctions and the idiosyncrasy of the western region of the country at the center of these celebrations.
Other music festivals
Mono Nuñez Andean Music Festival, World Salsa Festival, Tango Festival.
Performing arts
Ibero-American Theater Festival
Where: Bogota
Every two years Bogota welcomes over 250 national and international theater companies. The festival presents a rich and diverse offer, ranging from street theater in public squares and avenues, up to large productions is special venues.
International Ballet Festival
Where: Cali
Those who visit Cali in April have the chance to switch salsa moves for a classical dance. International companies and the Colombian Ballet Institute (Incoballet) take part in the event.
Film
Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI)
Where: Cartagena de Indias
It’s the oldest film event in Latin America. Around 220 audiovisual pieces are showcased and the audiovisual culture of Colombia and other countries in the region is displayed.
Cali International Film Festival
Where: Cali
At the end of October, Cali becomes the branch of the seventh art. The festival was founded by Colombian director Luis Ospina. Curatorship for documentaries is especially strong.
You may also like: The Barranquilla Carnival.
Gastronomy
Sabor Barranquilla
Where: Barranquilla
This fair showcases the culinary wealth of the region, influenced by extensive migration. The festival offers and academic agenda, workshops with guest chefs and samples of traditional cuisine.
Gastronomic Exhibition of the Insular Caribbean
Where: San Andres
Renowned local, regional and international chefs get acquainted with dishes and techniques from San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina through an exchange of experience with traditional island cooks and gastronomy students from the archipelago.
Siembre Negro Pacifico Gastronomic Festival
Where: Nuqui
A simple to appreciate the folkloric richness of the Colombian Pacific through and exchange of both local and other regional cooks. It is the chance to taste traditional dishes and recipes resulting from the exchange of gastronomic expertise.
Plastic and visual arts
Artbo
Where: Bogota
This event brings together national and international galleries. In addition to being an opportunity to buy and sell art, it also offers a diverse cultural and academic program to bring the public closer to art.
Literature
Bogota International Book Fair (Filbo)
Where: Bogota
Created in 1988, this fair gathers around 1,000 publishing houses. The fair, held in Corferias during the first semester of the year, is the stage for over 1,200 cultural activities, including book launches and discussion groups with authors.
Hay Festival
Where: Cartagena de Indias
Discussion groups with major authors, Nobel Prize winners, concerts and literary contests. The beautiful walled city is a luxurious stage where the greatest representatives of literature, film, journalism, music and art get together.
Arts and crafts
Expoartesanías
Where: Bogota
This fair has become a promotion platform for the Colombian craft sector, allowing craftsmen, designers and entrepeneurs to venture into national and international markets.
Expoartesano
Where: Medellin
This is a startegic alliance between Artesanias de Colombia and Plaza Mayor Medellín that seeks to connect the public to the country’s traditions.
You may also like: Colombia's Fairs and festivals.
Fairs
Manizales Fair
Where: Manizales
At the beginning of every year, the entire city transfoms itself around music, celebrating the coffee culture.
Flowers Fair
Where: Medellin
Antioquia’s traditions meet in the country’s most innovative capital. An encounter between musical genres and generations.
The Cali Fair
Where: Cali
Salsa and other rhythms take over the city during the final of the year.
