Colombia’s biggest cultural celebration returns! Saturday Feb 14 – Tuesday Feb 17, 2026 — Carnival in Barranquilla is vibrant, loud, deeply local, and unlike Carnival anywhere else in the world. This guide is designed to help travelers experience it with confidence, whether it’s your first Carnival or your first time in Colombia.
If you’re planning dates, start with the Calendar. If you’re new to Barranquilla Carnival, the First-Timers Guide will help you get oriented quickly.
View the Calendar » First-Timers Guide »
Start Here
Calendar
When to go. Official Carnival dates, pre-Carnival events, and how the celebration unfolds over several days.
Schedule
What happens each day. A practical, day-by-day overview so you can plan parades, nights out, and downtime without trying to do everything.
Hotels
Where to stay for Carnival. A focused hotel guide for Carnival week — locations, logistics, and why hotels matter more than rentals during peak days.
Carnival Highlights
Parades
The cultural heart of Carnival, from the iconic Batalla de Flores to the symbolic closing on Tuesday.
Parties
How Carnival nightlife works — ticketed events, club nights, street energy, free options, and what to expect after dark.
Events
A growing index of Carnival programming, including parades, parties, cultural events, and family activities as they’re announced.
Cultural Events
Daytime traditions, music, dance, exhibitions, and heritage programming — ideal for culture-focused visitors and families.
Guides for Different Travelers
First-Timers
New to Barranquilla Carnival? Start here for expectations, common mistakes, pacing tips, and planning advice.
Gay Travelers
Bars, parties, and nightlife considerations for gay travelers visiting during Carnival.
Kids & Families
Yes, Carnival can work with kids — daytime events, cultural programming, and practical tips for families.
Safety
Common-sense safety guidance, nightlife awareness, and what travelers should realistically watch out for during Carnival.
Transport
Getting to and around Barranquilla during Carnival — airport transfers, ride apps, parade-day movement, and late-night logistics.
Neighborhoods
A simple orientation guide to key areas of the city and how they relate to Carnival events and logistics.
Stay Updated
Carnival details are released gradually. We update this guide as official organizers confirm events and programming.
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This guide focuses on clarity, realism, and up-to-date information — not hype. If something isn’t confirmed yet, we’ll say so.