New Years Day
The first day of the year is typically used to recover from the wild and often violent New Year’s Eve festivities. The smaller street parties and public celebrations make this day a calmer and safer time to go out. Many activities are held in Bogota’s Plaza de Bolivar.

The Hay Festival
Hay is small market town in the Brecon Beacons National park near Cartagena which has 39 bookshops for its population of 1,300. This festival draws thousands of readers from around the world to celebrate Latin American writing every year.

Temporada Sinfonica
Every year, this temporary symphony opens its short season in the Colsubsidio Roberto Arias Perez Theatre in Bogota. The prestigious event attracts many of Colombia’s best musicians as they perform the world’s masterpieces.

The Cartagena International Film Festival
This annual event is one of the most prestigious film festivals in South America and a major attraction for film enthusiasts from around the world. The year’s newest works from Latin artists are shown at venues around the city.

Feria del Libro
Another in Colombia’s list of major literary events, this festival brings people from all fields of the writing industry to Bogota to meet and discuss what’s happening in the world of literature. Authors, filmmakers, musicians and intellectuals all take part in workshops and lectures.

Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro
This festival is the largest theatre exhibition in the Spanish-speaking world and takes place every two years in Bogota. Many of the best-known theatre groups from around the world come to perform in Plaza de Bolivar. There is also a wonderful parade through the city to kick it off.

Bambuco y Sanjuanero Festivals
These two festivals are held in Neiva each year to commemorate St Peter and St Paul Days. Some very interesting processions and ceremonies are held throughout the town and at the main churches.

Assumption of Mary
Another of the major religious events in the Catholic calendar celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. The country’s churches put on special religious ceremonies to mark this occasion.

Carnaval de Bogota
This lively citywide party includes masquerades, dance parties, live music and many more events at venues around town. Simon Bolivar Park is the main spot for the action.

Salon Nacional de Artistas-Ministerio de Cultura
This annual exhibition, run by the Ministry of Culture, displays the newest works of art using plastic as a medium. Only the very best of Colombia’s artists are shown during this event.

Bienal de Arte de Bogota
This festival is aimed at celebrating the 450 year history of Bogota through the art of its countrymen. Artists in every field from around the country converge on the city to share, compare and stimulate their creativity. All forms of visual art are represented at this wonderful show.

Exposiciones Academia Superior de Artes
For five days, art lovers can enjoy the latest artistic works from students of the Academia. Art, drama, dance and music are presented to the public, and workshops are held by the masters of the Academia.

Epiphany/Dia de Reyes
This national holiday marks the end of the Christmas season in Colombia. This is the traditional day of gift-giving, and every town in the country puts on a wonderful display of processions, dancing and celebrations.

Festival de Navidad
In Bogota, Christmas is celebrated with massive events, lighting displays, concerts and lots of joy. The Christmas Festival is traditionally held in Simon Bolivar Park, and sees most of the city come out to celebrate with a spirit of kindness.

New Year’s Day: 1 January
Epiphany: 6 January
St Joseph’s Day: 19 March
Maundy Thursday: 8 April
Good Friday: date varies each year
Easter: date varies each year
Labour Day: 1 May
Ascension: 20 May
Corpus Christi: date varies each year
Sacred Heart: 18 June
Saint Peter and Saint Paul: date varies each year
Independence Day: 20 July
Battle of Boyaca: 7 August
Assumption of Mary: 15 August
Columbus Day: date varies each year
All Saints Day: 1 November
Independence of Cartagena: 11 November
Thanksgiving: 25 November
Immaculate Conception: 8 December
Christmas: 25 December