Last updated: December 29, 2025
Carnaval de Barranquilla is Colombia’s most iconic cultural celebration — and planning starts with the dates. The festival unfolds in phases (before, during, and after the core days), and official programming is released gradually.
Key dates at a glance
| Status | Phase | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | Main Carnival Days (Carnaval) | Saturday Feb 14 – Tuesday Feb 17, 2026 |
| Traditionally held / Updating | Pre-Carnival (Pre-Carnaval) | Weeks leading up to Feb 14 (official agenda published in stages) |
| Limited / Informal | Post-Carnival (Después del Carnaval) | Tuesday night ends the official run; departures peak Ash Wednesday (Miércoles de Ceniza) |
How Barranquilla Carnival dates work
Barranquilla’s Carnival is tied to the Christian calendar: the core celebrations happen right before Miércoles de Ceniza (Ash Wednesday), which begins Lent. That’s why the biggest days land on Saturday through Tuesday, with additional cultural events leading up to them.
Pre-Carnival (Pre-Carnaval)
Status: Traditionally held / Updating
Pre-Carnaval is the build-up period in the weeks before the main days. This phase can include cultural programming, community celebrations, traditional performances, rehearsals, and smaller street gatherings — but specific dates vary and are confirmed progressively through official announcements.
Many travelers prefer this phase for a calmer, more local feel — with more flexibility on tickets and accommodations — while still experiencing the city’s Carnival energy.
Main Carnival Days (Carnaval)
Status: Confirmed
The Carnaval “core days” in 2026 run:
- Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
- Sunday, Feb 15, 2026
- Monday, Feb 16, 2026
- Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
These are the days when the city is at peak intensity — with major parades, ticketed stands/experiences, and large-scale street celebrations. Expect a strong day/night rhythm: daytime spectacle and evening social life.
Hotel demand note: If you want to stay close to the action (and keep prices reasonable), plan accommodations early for the period around Feb 14–17.
Post-Carnival (Después del Carnaval)
Status: Limited / Informal
Official Carnival ends Tuesday night. Some cultural or informal gatherings may continue, but the city shifts quickly into “wrap-up” mode. Many visitors travel home on Wednesday, Miércoles de Ceniza.
Planning tips
- Want the main spectacle? Arrive by Friday, Feb 13 so you’re ready for Saturday morning.
- First-timers: Focus on the Carnaval core days and use our schedule framework to choose 1–2 “must-do” experiences per day.
- Families: Prioritize daytime cultural events and plan downtime (heat + crowds can be intense).
- Party-focused travelers: Book lodging early and keep nights flexible — the best plans often depend on real-time conditions.
- Keep expectations honest: Detailed event times and routes can change — we update this site as official details are released.
Next steps
Use the calendar dates above to plan your trip, then go deeper:
Source note: We cross-check dates against official Carnival announcements and update this page when the official Pre-Carnaval agenda and event details are released.