The Colombian calendar is packed with festivals, carnivals and fairs. There are some 200 festivals and events annually, ranging from small one-day local affairs to international festivals lasting several days. Some of the biggest events include Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, held in Pasto, in January and Carnaval de Barranquilla in February or March. Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar.

The town of Cartagena hosts the country’s annual National Beauty Contest, or Reinado Nacional de Belleza de Colombia. The Feria de la Flores is a flower fair held in Medellín where the fragrances of the large variety of flowers fill the air. The Latin American Bogotá Theatre Festival takes place every two years; this event brings the best from all continents in the field of theatre.