TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
over 1,000,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
The Carnival of Barranquilla is one of the world's great carnivals and a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage — four pre-Lenten days on Colombia's Caribbean coast bursting with folkloric dance (cumbia, mapalé, garabato), flower-covered floats, giant papier-mâché masks, and the famous Batalla de Flores parade.
Rooted in a rich blend of Indigenous, African, and European traditions, "Carnaval de Barranquilla" is a joyful, deeply cultural celebration and the pride of Colombia's coast.
Want to go? Turn Barranquilla Carnival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
The four days before Ash Wednesday (Feb or early March)
Admission
Street events free · parade grandstand (palcos) ticketed
Parking
Streets close for parades — use taxis/rideshare and stay near the Vía 40 route.
Nearest airport
Ernesto Cortissoz International (BAQ) — ~20 min
Typical weather
Hot, humid Caribbean-Colombia dry season — 80s–90s °F; sun protection and hydration.
Official website
Location
Barranquilla, Colombia
Where to stay
Hotel El Prado
Historic landmark hotel in Barranquilla.
Barranquilla business hotels
Modern options near the parade route.
Cartagena (add-on)
The walled colonial city ~2 hr away for a longer trip.
Where to eat & drink
Arepa de huevo & fried snacks
Colombian Caribbean street food.
Sancocho de guandú
A hearty coastal pigeon-pea stew.
Fresh Caribbean seafood
Fish, shrimp, and ceviche on the coast.
Nearby attractions
The Vía 40 parade route
The heart of the carnival parades.
Gran Malecón
The revitalized riverfront promenade.
Cartagena (day/overnight trip)
Colombia's stunning walled city nearby.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + malecón
- •Fly into BAQ
- •Afternoon: Gran Malecón
- •Evening: coastal dinner
2Batalla de Flores
- •Day: the flower-battle parade on Vía 40
- •Evening: cumbia dancing
3Carnival + depart
- •Day: Gran Parada folkloric parade
- •Head out (or on to Cartagena)
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Book a grandstand (palco) seat for the big parades.
- Learn a few cumbia steps — dancing is the point.
- Extend the trip to Cartagena while you're on the coast.
Frequently asked questions
When is Barranquilla Carnival?
The four days before Ash Wednesday — February or early March — in Barranquilla, Colombia.
What is the Batalla de Flores?
The famous opening "Battle of the Flowers" parade of flower-covered floats and folkloric dancers.
Can you combine it with Cartagena?
Yes — the walled colonial city is about two hours away and makes a great add-on.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Barranquilla Carnival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.