The dates for the 2024 edition of the Carnaval de Verano have been announced. In Barranquilla, the spirit of Carnival, the country’s most emblematic cultural celebration, never rests. A new experience is coming for ‘curramberos’ and tourists to enjoy. The first edition took place in 2023.
The event is led by the Carnival de la 44, Corporación Autónoma Regional Gay, Carnaval del Suroccidente, and Carnaval del Suroriente, with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla through its Secretary of Culture.
It promises to be an immersive experience celebrating the essence of the Barranquilla Carnival in a refreshing and novel context. The organizers hope this initiative will become an annual tradition that complements the yearly Carnival held in February.
This new facet of the festival aims not only to keep the tradition alive, but also to attract national and international tourists.
“When Europe feels the heat of summer, there are many festivals and other gatherings. And since we in Barranquilla constantly experience summer, because there is only one season, then we have carnival and we have sea and river,” said the director of the Carnival de la 44, Édgar Blanco.
The Secretary of Culture, Juan Carlos Ospino, also emphasized that the event not only seeks to keep the tradition alive but also to offer a rich cultural offering during a time when the city needs it.
“This event is highly significant because the city currently needs a greater cultural offering. Visitors, residents, and vacationers alike should have access to cultural experiences beyond just focusing on money and the carnival season.”
2024 Carnaval de Verano dates
The 2024 edition of Carnaval de Verano: Río y Mar will take place on June 28 and 29, 2024.
Friday, June 28th
On Friday, June 28th the event will be held at the Gran Malecón at 5:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity for knowledge exchange so that visitors can learn about the essence of the dances that make Carnival a heritage of humanity.
“It’s not a Carnival of parades, but rather one that exalts the heritage and musical aspects,” said Édgar Blanco, the director of the Carnival de la 44.
The heritage tour will allow attendees direct contact with the cultural roots of the region.
“We will have 10 heritage stations on the malecón. There will be a cumbia station where cumbia will showcase its cultural and choreographic paraphernalia in a continuous cycle. People will be able to join the cumbia circle and learn about its methodology and its meaning.”
Then a grand musical celebration at the Malecón’s gradería will start at 6:30 p.m.
“We will have a spectacular production with performances by the Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Lina Babilonia, Cumbia Caribe, among others.”
Saturday, June 29th
On Saturday, June 29th, the agenda continues with the Summer Music Festival at Plaza de La Paz, featuring renowned national orchestras starting at 6:30 p.m. The confirmed lineup includes La Charanga del Sur, Juan Piña, Churo Díaz, and Zayder.
As part of this second day, we will give special recognition to two creative fantasy dance groups, which each year make a significant contribution to our Carnival.