Last updated: December 29, 2025
Ready for Carnival week in Barranquilla? If you’re here, this is your day-by-day guide. For official dates and phases, start with our calendar.
Jump to a day
- Pre-Carnaval (Arrival + Warm-up)
- Saturday (Feb 14)
- Sunday (Feb 15)
- Monday (Feb 16)
- Tuesday (Feb 17)
- Post-Carnival (Wed Feb 18 and after)
How to use this schedule
- Pick your must-see parade day (first-timers usually prioritize Saturday or Sunday) → /parades/
- Decide your nights: party, culture, or early mornings (your energy plan matters) → /parties/ + /cultural-events/
- Book hotels around your priority days (and budget for peak nights) → /hotels/
A) Pre-Carnaval (arrival + warm-up)
- Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 — Lectura del Bando (season kick-off) (Confirmed)
- Friday, Feb 6, 2026 — La Guacherna (the first big night to plan around) (Confirmed)
- Saturday–Tuesday, Feb 14–17, 2026 — Main Carnival days (Confirmed)
What’s the rhythm of the day you can expect?
- Daytime: culture-first plans, family-friendly programming, exhibits, and neighborhood exploration (Updating specifics)
- Evening: street energy ramps up; plan your “one big night” early (especially La Guacherna) (Updating specifics)
- Logistics tip: build in heat + hydration + transport time → /transport/
New / returning in 2026 (as announced by organizers): Río de Tradiciones macrofigures exhibition (Malecón del Río + Malecón de Rebolo), Semillero de la Tradición with a dedicated kids space, more public programming in parks / conchas acústicas, plus a strengthened academic agenda.
B) Main Carnival Days (Sat–Tue)
One quick context note: organizers have signaled that Gran Parada de Tradición will emphasize live folkloric music, while Gran Parada de Comparsas will highlight picós. (Useful for expectations even before the full lineup is published.)
Saturday, Feb 14, 2026 (Main Carnival)
Best for: first-timers • big spectacle • iconic parade day
- Morning: set your plan + sunscreen + water; confirm transport and meeting points (Updating)
- Afternoon: primary parade window for many visitors (Updating exact event roster)
- Evening: post-parade dinner + rest OR pre-game for nightlife (Updating)
- Late: parties / clubs / ticketed events tend to peak tonight (Updating)
What’s usually the headliner today: the biggest “welcome to Carnival” parade energy (details as organizers publish).
Sunday, Feb 15, 2026 (Main Carnival)
Best for: culture • folklore • families (daytime)
- Morning: slower start (recovery day for many); coffee + light planning (Typical)
- Afternoon: culture-forward parade programming often shines today (Updating exact roster)
- Evening: great night for a sit-down meal + music-forward plans (Updating)
- Late: parties continue; choose one “big” night if you’re pacing yourself (Typical)
What’s usually the headliner today: tradition-heavy parade energy (details as organizers publish).
Monday, Feb 16, 2026 (Main Carnival)
Best for: travelers who want “more Carnival” without the absolute peak crowds
- Morning: sleep in + late breakfast; plan one daytime cultural stop (Typical)
- Afternoon: more parades / corridor events depending on organizers (Updating)
- Evening: flexible night — great for trying a different neighborhood plan (Updating)
- Late: parties continue; keep transport simple and pre-arranged if possible (Typical)
What’s usually the headliner today: continued parade + party programming (details as organizers publish).
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 (Main Carnival — Closing Day)
Best for: closing-day culture • last parties • “one final parade” energy
- Morning: pack lightly if you depart Wednesday; keep valuables minimal (Typical)
- Afternoon: final major daytime programming depending on organizers (Updating)
- Evening: last chance for a “signature night” plan (party OR calm cultural close) (Updating)
- Late: closing-night energy can run late — plan your ride home before you go out (Typical)
What’s usually the headliner today: closing-day traditions and farewell energy (details as organizers publish).
C) Post-Carnival (Miércoles de Ceniza and after)
Status: Updating (but the traveler logic is consistent year to year)
- Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026: many visitors depart; plan a calm morning and avoid overbooking your last night
- If you stay: it’s an ideal day for recovery + low-key cultural stops (some exhibits can remain available after the main days)
- Onward travel: build buffer time (traffic + airport/bus demand) → /transport/
Quick add-ons (useful mini-plans)
Free / budget-friendly Carnival fun
- Prioritize daytime cultural programming + exhibits → /cultural-events/
- Choose one paid “signature” night instead of trying to do everything → /parties/
- Keep logistics simple and safe at night → /safety/
Kids & families (daytime-friendly)
If you’re traveling with kids, plan early-day culture + kid-friendly programming and keep nights short. Start here: /kids/
Gay travelers
Want a curated plan for gay nightlife + safer logistics? Start here: /gay/
FAQ
What day should I arrive?
If you want the “first big night,” arrive for La Guacherna (Friday, Feb 6, 2026). If you only have one weekend, arrive by Friday Feb 13 so you’re ready for Saturday.
Do I need tickets for everything?
No. Many cultural and public moments can be enjoyed without ticketing — but premium parade seating, top parties, and some special events may require tickets. Use /events/ as the catalog as details firm up.
What’s the best day for first-timers?
Saturday is the classic “big spectacle” day; Sunday is often the best “culture-forward” day. If you’re pacing yourself, pick one big night and protect your energy for the daytime.
Is there stuff to do beyond the main parades?
Yes — exhibits, cultural programming, and neighborhood plans can be just as memorable. Start with /cultural-events/ and /first-timers/.