Mark your calendars for the 2027 Barranquilla Carnival, set to take place from February 6 to 9. This is your chance to make history. Grab your tickets now and secure your place at an event that promises unmatched excitement. Immerse yourself in the tradition, music, and joy of the Colombian Caribbean like never before.
Create unforgettable memories at the 2027 Barranquilla Carnival. Tickets go no sale around mid-August, and you don’t want to miss a moment of this extraordinary celebration. As Colombia’s most important folk and cultural festival, the Barranquilla Carnival transforms the city into a vibrant stage for folkloric dance and musical expressions that captivate both locals and visitors. The Carnaval de Barranquilla stands as Colombia’s most authentic, enthusiastic, and joyful celebration, second only to Rio de Janeiro’s carnival in size.
The 2027 Barranquilla Carnival will run from February 6 to 9, featuring captivating folk and musical events, grand parades, monumental floats, top musical groups, and unique experiences that everyone should witness. Pre-carnival events will kick off with the Lectura del Bando.
Plan your 2027 Barranquilla Carnival Experience with Discover Barranquilla
Do you want to travel to the 2027 Barranquilla Carnival, but don’t have time to plan it? Get in touch with Discover Barranquilla and we can assist you with creating a personalized experience by reserving your accommodation at a hotel or hostel within your budget, purchasing your carnival tickets, and organizing your transportation while you are in Barranquilla. Grab your tickets now by visiting our ticket page. If you need additional services, please use our contact form and one of our representatives will be in touch with you shortly. You can also reach us via Whatsapp.
Pre-Carnival Events
Although the main carnival weekend will be from February 6 to 9, there are numerous pre-carnival events you can enjoy during the months of January and February. Learn more about these events, organized in order by date.
1. Lectura del Bando
Date: TBD
This traditional ceremony marks the official start of Carnival, as the symbolic keys to the city are handed over and the proclamation is announced. The celebration features the introduction of the Carnival Queen alongside Rey Momo, plus a special performance by a renowned musical artist. Expect a vibrant showcase of culture, folklore, and live entertainment. Tickets required.
2. Guacherna Gay Nighttime Parade
Date: TBD
The Guacherna Gay Parade (Gran Noche de Guacherna Gay) is a vibrant and colorful parade that is part of Barranquilla’s pre-Carnival festivities and the main parade for the Carnaval Gay de Barranquilla. It is a spin-off of the traditional Guacherna, a nighttime parade that celebrates the culture, music, and traditions of the city. The Guacherna Gay specifically focuses on celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity, creativity, and inclusivity, showcasing the spirit of Carnival in a space that highlights freedom of expression and individuality. The parade route heads down Carrera 44 starting at Calle 72 and ends at Plaza de la Paz.
3. La Guacherna
Date: Friday, January 29, 2027
A magical night parade, La Guacherna illuminates the city with an enchanting display of lights. Participants don vibrant costumes adorned with LED lights, turning the streets into a dazzling spectacle. Live music, dance performances, and the infectious joy of the revelers accompany the procession, making it an unforgettable experience. Tickets not required, but palco tickets are available. Route: Carrera 44/Calle 53
3.1 Petlovers Guaucherna
The Petlovers Guaucherna is a fun twist on the traditional Guacherna, created especially for dog lovers who dress up their pets in festive Carnival costumes. Held at the Gran Malecón one or two weeks before Carnival, this charming event brings together locals and visitors to enjoy a parade full of creativity and adorable moments. It’s easily one of the most delightful and heartwarming celebrations, with dogs showing off their best Carnival looks.
4. Noche del Río
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2027
“Noche del Río” makes its vibrant return to Carrera 50, celebrating the spirit of the Colombian Caribbean. This event highlights the rich musical traditions inspired by the Magdalena River, inviting attendees to experience its flowing rhythms and cultural energy. It’s a concert dedicated to traditional sounds and heritage. Tickets required.
5. Coronation of the 2027 Carnival Queen
Date: Friday, February 5, 2027
One of the most anticipated moments of Carnival, the Queen’s Coronation is a dazzling and elegant celebration. While the 2027 Carnival Queen has yet to be announced, she will take center stage to be officially crowned, representing the beauty, tradition, and spirit of the festivities. The ceremony features stunning costumes, sparkling jewels, and high-energy performances that captivate the audience. Tickets required.
Musical lineup: To be announced.
Carnival Weekend
The Barranquilla Carnival (Carnaval de Barranquilla) stands as one of Colombia’s most iconic cultural celebrations, held each year in the vibrant coastal city of Barranquilla. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the festival brings together a rich fusion of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences.
Across four festive days, locals and visitors alike take part in lively parades, infectious music, and traditional dances such as cumbia, mapalé, and garabato. The celebration begins with the famous Battle of the Flowers parade, followed by an explosion of colorful costumes, expressive masks, and nonstop rhythms. It’s a dynamic showcase of Barranquilla’s heritage, creativity, and joyful spirit that draws crowds from around the world.
1. La Batalla de Flores Parade (The Battle of the Flowers)
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
The Battle of Flowers is the Carnival’s iconic opening parade, showcasing extravagant floats adorned with intricate floral arrangements. Dazzling queens, dressed in stunning costumes, lead the procession, accompanied by dancers, musicians, and revelers. The parade winds through the city streets, filling the air with music, laughter, and the sweet scent of blossoms. Palco tickets are required to sit in the grandstands.
2. Gran Parada de Tradición y Folclor (Grand Parade of Tradition and Folklore)
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2027
This grand parade celebrates the cultural diversity and traditional roots of Barranquilla. Groups representing different ethnic backgrounds perform traditional dances, wear colorful costumes, and showcase folkloric music. From cumbia and mapalé to merecumbé and porro, the rhythms of Colombia reverberate through the streets, captivating spectators. Palco tickets are required to sit in the grandstands.
3. Gran Parada de Comparsas de Fantasía (Grand Parade of Fantasy Dance Groups)
Date: Monday, February 8, 2027
A colorful and musical parade featuring a variety of traditional and fantasy troupes that create a lively human river filled with authentic carnival flavor. It’s an exciting parade full of feathers, sparkles, and lively dancing. It’s also this author’s favorite parade of the three! Palco tickets are required to sit in the grandstands.
4. Joselito se va con las cenizas Parade (Joselito is off with the ashes)
Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2027
This is the final day of the carnaval and the parade route is usually on Carrera 54, NOT on Vía 40. Joselito represents the death of the carnival, and his wife, in this case, the carnival queen, dons black attire as a symbol of her widowhood. She mourns him throughout the entire parade route. Attendees are expected to wail dramatically as the queen approaches. Joselito symbolizes the joy of the carnival. It is said that this character “resuscitates” on Carnival Saturday and “dies” on the last day, tired and drunken, to again be revived for the next carnival. This event is free, takes place in the street, and there are no palcos.
5. Baila la Calle (Dance the Street)
Dates: Friday, February 5; Saturday, February 6; and Sunday, February 7, 2027
Balla la Calle is a a very popular open-air street concert that takes place over the course of three nights. You don’t have to attend all three nights, with just one you should be fine. Numerous bands play at this three-day-long concert that goes into the night. The event takes place on Carrera 50. Tickets required.
Where can I buy palco tickets?
You’ve probably seen the word “palco” numerous times by now and you’re wondering what that is. The palcos are grandstands or bleachers. When you buy your palco tickets bear in mind that there is no assigned seating. Each palco is assigned a name, such as Palco Rey Momo, with no specific seat allocation. We recommend you arrive early to secure a good spot.
The most expensive palcos in 2027 are $595,000 COP (~147 USD) per ticket if you buy directly from Tuboleta. Bear in mind that tickets on Tuboleta will often sell out within a few days or weeks of going on sale. To purchase your 2027 Barranquilla Carnival tickets with Discover Barranquilla once they go on sale, please go to our Barranquilla Carnival Tickets page.
Please use our contact form or message us on Whatsapp for further assistance.
IMPORTANT: You cannot buy tickets for individual days. All palco tickets are sold for all three days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday).
If you choose not to attend on a particular day, you can resell your ticket for that day to someone else.
There are also minipalcos and these palcos are on the eastern side of the street. It’s usually not advisable to purchase these palcos due to the strong sunlight on that side of the street. However, we recommend minipalcos over simply standing in the street.
Transportation
The Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is located to the south of Barranquilla in the city of Soledad. International flights arrive directly from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Panama, and Curazao. Domestic flights arrive from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Valledupar, Montería, and San Andrés.
You can also reach Barranquilla by bus. Buses arrive daily at the Terminal Metropolitana de Transportes de Barranquilla, which is located to the south of Barranquilla in the city of Soledad. You can reach Barranquilla from numerous cities including:
- Cartagena (2 hours)
- Santa Marta (2 hours)
- Bogotá (18-20 hours)
- Medellín (14 hours)
- Cali (23-27 hours)
You can purchase bus tickets from numerous online bus ticketing websites, including:
What should I wear to the carnival?
Bright colors! If you’re in Barranquilla a few days before, I recommend you hit the mall. If you’re a woman, find a colorful carnaval headband. Big colorful earrings are also popular. Carnaval t-shirts are also readily available. There is also a store called TEX-UNO and another called Sofisticadas, both of which are located in the mall Centro Comercial Gran Centro, Cra 53 #68B-57, and they produce their own carnival outfits. If you’re staying near Barrio Paraiso, check out the store Vistete de Carnaval, CRA 71 # 79 – 125. In addition, you can visit Galeria 72 which is a large market with various vendors selling carnival clothing, accessories and souvenirs. Galeria 72 is located at the Romelio Martinez Stadium. If you have happen to be shopping at the large malls such as Buenavista, Mallplaza or Viva, you can also find stand-alone kiosks around the mall selling carnival clothing and accessories.
Lots of options to choose from. If you’re going as a couple, it’s common for couples to wear matching shirts. Anything that’s a bright, bold will do for the carnival. Don’t be afraid to express yourself!
Carnival Dos and Don’ts
Do:
Remember to buy your palco tickets well in advance so you’re not scrounging at the last minute or paying scalpers exorbitant prices
Get to the parade early in order to secure a good spot on the palco
Wear sunscreen/sunblock
Wear sunglasses
Use mosquito repellent
Wear a very small cell phone bag/pouch to keep your phone, money, cards, and other belongings in.
Remember to have a good time!
Don’t:
Bring a large bag with tons of stuff you don’t absolutely need
Bring your passport, ID, all your cash, and every single credit card you have. Only bring an ID and enough cash to buy beer, water, and food, and pay for your taxis to and from.
Don’t bring any beer, water, or other drinks with you. They are not permitted past security. You can buy once you are inside
Wear a belt. Yes, I’m serious. If you wear a belt, you will have to take off the belt and leave it on the belt table with the rest of the belts. You can reclaim your belt on your way out and it may or may not be there.
Wear flashy jewelry and watch your phone at all time (pickpockets are active during carnaval)!
Get upset if someone throws maizena or foam spray on you. You’ll get a little dirty at carnaval
Who is the 2027 Barranquilla Carnival Queen?
The 2027 Barranquilla Carnival Queen has not been chosen yet. We will update this section once she is.
Michelle Char Fernandez is the 2026 Barranquilla Carnival Queen. At 23 years old, Michelle began her dance training at Julie de Donado’s school and spent a decade as part of the Ballet de Barranquilla. In 2018, she served as the youth captain at the Barranquilla Country Club. She has performed on numerous artistic stages, including two previous Carnival queen coronations.
Sharon Hurtado Esquiaqui is the 2026 Queen of the Carnaval de la 44 (44th Avenue Carnival Queen) and is considered the second most important queen.
The Reina Popular del Carnaval is considered the third most important queen and the 2025 queen is Yuliana Isabel Rodríguez Zambrano.
What concerts are taking place on Carnaval weekend?
Typically, on Carnival weekend there are a few major concerts that take place.
Coronation of the Carnival Queen
Date: Friday, February 5, 2027
The coronation of the carnival king and queen is held on the Friday night immediately before the first day of the carnival on Saturday. This is one of the most anticipated events of the season, exuding elegance and grandeur. In 2026, Michelle Char was crowned on stage, embodying the vibrant spirit and charm of the Carnival. This lavish ceremony showcases stunning gowns, dazzling jewelry, and thrilling performances. Tickets are required for entry. The 2026 musical lineup featured Juan Luis Guerra and Kapo. The 2027 lineup has not been announced yet. The coronation will be held at the Romelio Martinez Stadium and will start at 8pm.
Metroconcierto
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Metroconcierto is a major concert organizer in Colombia. Metroconcierto will host their Metroconcierto Histórico del Carnaval at the Romelio Martinez Stadium. Musical lineup includes: TBA
What are the best hotels to stay at during the 2027 Barranquilla Carnival?
There are numerous hotels and a few hostels to choose from during your stay. Barranquilla offers a diverse range of hotels to cater to every traveler’s needs. If you find yourself in town for the world-famous Carnaval de Barranquilla, finding the perfect accommodation is key to enhancing your overall experience. Some hotels we recommend are the Marriott, El Prado, and the Dann Carlton.
Things to do in Barranquilla
If you find yourself in Barranquilla a few days before or after the carnaval, there are numerous activities you can take part in or places you can visit in and around Barranquilla. Please visit our Fun Things to do in Barranquilla article for suggestions. More the partying type? Please read our Nightlife in Barranquilla article for some after hour hotspots. In addition, National Geographic named Barranquilla as a top 10 food destination for 2026.
Please use our contact form or Whatsapp if you’d like us to book you a tour. During carnival weekend, please contact each venue to confirm their hours of operation.
About Barranquilla
Barranquilla is the capital of the Atlántico department and the largest city on the Colombian coast. It is the fourth-largest city in Colombia and home to the second-largest carnival in the world, the Carnaval de Barranquilla. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea and has a population of 1.3 million. Barranquilla earned the moniker “Puerta de Oro” or “Golden Gate” due to the influx of immigrants from the Middle East and Asia who arrived after World Wars I and II through the city’s main port. Barranquilla is home to the country’s national football team known as Selección Colombia. Lastly, Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research revealed that Barranquilla was chosen as one of the top 10 Trending Destinations in 2026.
Travel Guides for Past Carnivals
2026 Travel Guide: 2026 Barranquilla Carnival
