Mark your calendars: The 2024 Barranquilla Carnival will be held from February 10 to February 13. Now’s your chance to be a part of history. Get your tickets now and secure your spot at an event that promises unparalleled emotions. Experience the tradition, music, and joy of the Colombian Caribbean like never before.
Create memories you’ll treasure forever at the 2024 Barranquilla Carnival. Tickets are flying, and you won’t want to miss a second of this unique celebration. The Barranquilla Carnival is Colombia’s most important folk and cultural festival. Each year, Barranquilla becomes the stage for folkloric, dance, and musical expressions that unleash the joy of both locals and visitors. The Carnaval de Barranquilla is the most authentic, enthusiastic, and joyful celebration in Colombia. It is the second largest carnival in the world, after Río de Janeiro’s carnival.
The 2024 Barranquilla Carnival will run from January 13 to February 13 with fascinating folk and musical events, majestic parades, monumental floats, the best musical groups, and unique experiences that no one should miss.
Pre-Carnival Events
Although the main carnival weekend will be from February 10th to 13th, there are numerous pre-carnival events you can enjoy. Learn more about these events, organized in order by date.
1. Lectura del Bando
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 January 20, 2023
UPDATE: The date has been moved from January 13th to January 20th. This event officially opens the festivities by presenting the keys to the city and reading the proclamation. The event includes the presentation of the Carnival Queen and her King (Rey Momo) and a top-tier musical guest. It’s a folkloric show of tradition and music. Tickets required.
2. La Guarcherna
Date: Friday, February 2, 2024
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. The procession is accompanied by live music, dance performances, and the contagious joy of the revelers. Tickets not required, but palco tickets are available. Route: Carrera 44/Calle 53
3. Noche del Río
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024
“La Noche Del Río” returns with force on Carrera 50! It’s a spectacle that embodies the very essence of our lush Colombian Caribbean, weaving the magical threads of the riverside music of the iconic Magdalena River. Imagine immersing yourself in the flow of infectious rhythms, allowing you to carry them away. This event is a traditional music concert. Tickets required.
4. Coronation of the Carnival Queen
Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
A highly anticipated event, the coronation of the Carnival Queen is a glamorous affair. The 2024 Carnival queen, Melisa Cure, will be crowned on stage, embodying the spirit and grace of the Carnival. The crowning ceremony is a lavish spectacle, featuring elaborate gowns, dazzling jewelry, and electrifying performances. Tickets required.
Carnival Weekend
1. La Batalla de Flores Parade (The Battle of the Flowers)
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
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 recommended.
2. Gran Parada de Tradición y Folclor (Grand Parade of Tradition and Folklore)
Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024
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 recommended.
3. Gran Parada de Comparsas de Fantasía (Grand Parade of Fantasy Dance Groups)
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
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 recommended.
4. Joselito se va con las cenizas Parade (Joselito is off with the ashes)
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
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 9th; Saturday, February 10th; and Sunday, February, 11th.
Balla la Calle is a a very popular open-air street concert that 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 are currently $412,000 COP if you buy directly from Tuboleta.
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.
To purchase tickets online, visit Tuboleta by clicking HERE.
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 and if you’re a woman, find a colorful carnaval headband. Big colorful earrings are also popular. Carnaval t-shirts are also readily available. If you’re going as a couple, it’s common for couples to wear matching shirts.
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 and sunglasses
Use mosquito repellent
Wear a very small cell phone bag/pouch to keep your phone, money, cards, and other belongings in.
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 2024 Carnival Queen?
Melissa Cure Villa is the 2024 Barranquilla Carnival Queen. She presides as the queen over the entire carnival and is the most important person representing the carnival.
Natalya Ruiz Blel is the 2024 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 2024 queen is yet to be chosen.
What concerts are taking place on Carnaval weekend?
Typically, on Carnival there are a few major concerts that take place.
Metroconcierto
Metroconcierto will be hosting its Carnaval concert on Saturday, February 10th. The lineup includes Nicky Jam, Silvestre Dangond, Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, plus additional artists. Tickets to this concert can be purchased from Tuboleta by clicking HERE.
Afrodancehall Killa Fest Carnival Edition 2024
Colombia’s AfroDancehall music festival returns to Barranquilla with their Killa Fest Carnival Edition 2024 on February 11th. The event will take place at Casa Beraka, via Sabanilla, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 AM. The following DJs have been confirmed: Dj Ayane, Jader Tremendo, Danner Dan Dan, Tavo Dj, Jeffrey Sai, Dj Jac, Harry Torres, Mr. Anthony, Dj Knox, and Dj Blackie. For more information on tickets, visit the Afrodanchall Instragram page.
What are the best hotels to stay at during the 2024 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. To learn more about the top five hotels in Barranquilla, read our detailed article.
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. During carnival weekend, please contact each venue to confirm their hours of operation. Read our two articles below for suggestions on things to do.
1. Things to do in Barranquilla: A Vibrant Adventure Awaits
2. Fun things to do in Barranquilla as a group
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.
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