What: Four-day Caribbean carnival featuring the Batalla de Flores (Battle of Flowers), Gran Parada de Tradición, Parada de Comparsas, and the Death of Joselito. Over 500 folkloric groups, 40+ major events, and 800,000+ visitors

Vibe: Explosive energy, Caribbean chaos, non-stop dancing

Highlight: The Batalla de Flores parade on Saturday is a 6-hour spectacle with elaborate floats and the Carnival Queen leading 250,000 spectators. Pre-carnival events start January 17 with the Lectura del Bando (reading of the proclamation)

Fun Fact: Unlike commercialized carnivals, Barranquilla's remains deeply rooted in African, indigenous, and Spanish traditions. Characters like La Marimonda (satirical elephant mask) and El Congo mock colonial power—this carnival was born as resistance