Cartagena has a cultural calendar that extends throughout the year, with events ranging from film and literature to the festivals most massive of the colombian Caribbean. To know the approximate dates of the major festivals help to decide when to travel, either to live in any of these events close to or, on the contrary, to avoid the dates of increased crowding.
FICCI: the International Film Festival of Cartagena
The FICCI is the cinematic event’s oldest Latin America, and is usually celebrated during the month of April, transforming to Cartagena, in what many described as a cinema expanded for several days. A good part of their programming is free and open to the public, with screenings at different venues of the city, among them the historic Teatro Adolfo Mejía. The festival brings together a colombian film, ibero-american and international, as well as meetings with directors, actors and industry professionals.
Hay Festival: literature and thought in the Walled City
At the end of January or beginning of February, Cartagena becomes the epicenter of one of the literary festivals most recognized in the world. The hay Festival brings together writers, journalists, scientists, and thinkers in lectures, workshops and discussions open to the public, with venues such as the Adolfo Mejía Theater, and spaces of the historic center. It is an event that attracts both cartageneros as visitors interested in literature and politics, and it fills a good part of the hotels of the city during those days.
Celebrations of Independence: the biggest celebration of the year
On the 11th of November, Cartagena celebrates its declaration of independence from the Spanish Crown in 1811, and this date begins the most important celebration of the festive calendar of the city. For more than a week, the streets of the historic center is filled with parades, parades, floats and live music, in a celebration that combines cultural identity with a carnival atmosphere. As part of these festivals are also celebrated the National pageant of Beauty, one of the competitions most traditional of the country, which attracts visitors from different regions of Colombia.
This is, without a doubt, the season’s most in demand hotel of the year in Cartagena, comparable to or even higher than December, or Holy Week. If your plan is to live the Holidays of Independence, to book several months in advance is almost mandatory, since both the hotels and the spaces to see the shows fill up quickly.
Other celebrations throughout the year
Beyond the big three events, Cartagena has a calendar of constant festivities smaller, many related to food and local traditions, such as festivals, street food, gatherings of music traditional and religious celebrations in different neighborhoods of the city. This type of events often have specific dates each year, so it is advisable to check the cultural agenda in force prior to your tour if any of them interests you in particular. But do not generate the same impact on hotel occupancy that the three major festivals, they will usually be a good way of getting a more local and everyday life of the city.
How to plan your trip according to the festivals
Since the dates of these events raise the demand for accommodation in a significant manner, planning ahead is key if your trip coincides with any of them. This logic is similar to that of other high seasons of the city, and this guide on how to plan a trip in high season it can help you to better understand how they behave prices and availability on date of high demand, such as the Celebrations of Independence.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds associated with these events, travel outside of those specific dates allows you to enjoy the city with a calmer pace, take advantage of the good weather and attractions typical of Cartagena.
Where to stay during festivals
Hotel Regatta Cartagena, located in Bocagrande, offers rooms with views of the city and lateral walking distance of the historic centre, where the majority of the events of these festivals. You stay in an area well connected makes it easy to move between your hotel and the festival’s activities without relying on long-haul routes, something especially valuable during the Festivities of Independence, when the traffic and the influx of people increased considerably in the historic centre.
Tips for travel on dates of festivals
- Book your hotel several months in advance if your trip coincides with the Celebrations of Independence, There is a Festival or FICCI.
- Check out the specific schedule of the current year, since the exact dates vary slightly from year to year.
- If you’re looking for peace of mind, consider travelling outside of these dates to avoid the biggest crowds of the year.
- Combined attendance at any event with free time to explore the rest of the city, because the programming of these festivals do not occupy the full day.
What is the largest festival of Cartagena?
The Festivities of Independence on 11 November is the biggest celebration and importance of the calendar from cartagena, with parades, parades and the National pageant of Beauty as their activities more representative.
Is it necessary to book well in advance for travel during a festival?
Yes. Both the hay Festival as the FICCI and especially the Festivities of Independence generated a notable increase in the demand for accommodation, so book several months in advance is the general recommendation for these dates.
What is the cancellation policy if my travel plans change?
Cancellations must be made a minimum of 5 days prior to the date of arrival to avoid additional charges, so you should confirm your dates before booking the season of festivals.
Plan your cultural trip to Cartagena
If you want to experience any of the festivals of Cartagena de near, it is best to reserve your accommodation with a time -. Contact us to know availability in Hotel Regatta Cartagena and plan your stay in Bocagrande according to the dates of the event that interests you.
