Cartagena Independence Day Celebrations 2026: Dates, Nautical Festival and Juan Luis Guerra
The Cartagena Independence Day celebrations 2026 take place from October to November and culminate with the Independence Nautical Festival on November 13th and 14th, featuring Juan Luis Guerra as the headliner this year. Below, you'll find information on what these celebrations are, their key events, and how to experience them.
Why does Cartagena celebrate November 11th?
On November 11, 1811, in the Government Palace of Cartagena de Indias, a group of Cartagena residents signed the Act of Absolute Independence from Spain. It was the first time that a territory on the current map of Colombia declared itself free without the permission of the Crown, and this act made the city an early symbol of emancipation on the continent.
A year later, in 1812, the city took to the streets to commemorate it. What began as a civic celebration transformed, over generations, into the Independence Day festivities: town hall meetings, parades, proclamations, processions, and pageants where cumbia, gaita, and Mapalé—the living heritage of the Afro-Caribbean communities—come together.
Independence Day Celebrations, Cultural Heritage of the Nation
In July 2026, the November 11th Independence Day celebrations were included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation, following the approval of their Special Safeguarding Plan by the National Heritage Council. This recognition confirms what the people of Cartagena have known since childhood: that this celebration is a symbol of memory, identity, and a way of expressing who they are.
Independence Day Celebrations Program 2026
The schedule runs from October to November. Among its most cherished moments
Independence Day Celebrations Program 2026
November 1st
We are angels , when the city takes to the streets.
November 11
Solemn Session and reading of the Act of Independence.
November 12
Grand Independence Parade, on Santander Avenue.
November 13 and 14
Independence Nautical Festival.
Nautical Festival 2026: lineup and artists
The Independence Nautical Festival closes the festivities by the bay on November 13 and 14, 2026. The night of Friday the 13th is headlined by Juan Luis Guerra , along with Grupo Niche, Beéle, Rafa Pérez, Zaider, Héctor Nazza, Criss and Ronny and DJ Dever.
On Saturday the 14th, the music continues with Nicky Jam, Ryan Castro, Silvestre Dangond, Jessi Uribe, Mr Black, Elder Dayán and more, while in the Historic Center the traditional Salsa a la Plaza takes place in the Plaza de la Aduana.
Where to stay during the Independence Day celebrations
The InterContinental Cartagena de Indias is located in Bocagrande, on the Caribbean Sea, just minutes from the Historic Center and the bay where the festival is centered. With oceanfront rooms, a pool, restaurants, and a spa, it's a comfortable base for following the Nautical Festival and the rest of the program, and for relaxing between days of events.
Juan Luis Guerra is the main artist on Friday the 13th. The lineup also includes Grupo Niche, Beéle, Nicky Jam, Ryan Castro, Silvestre Dangond and Jessi Uribe, among others.
Because on that day, in 1811, she signed her Act of Absolute Independence from Spain, being the first in the current Colombian territory to do so.
They are held from October to November, with November 11 as the central date and the Nautical Festival as the closing event on November 13 and 14.
It's the celebration that closes the Independence Day festivities along the Cartagena bay. In 2026, it will take place on November 13th and 14th.