Independence Festival of Cartagena
It is well known in Latin America that Colombians just love to enjoy life. The Carnival of Barranquilla is one of the most famous in the world, rivalling Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the festivities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nearly every city and pueblo in Colombia has at least one extensive annual celebration a year.
Have you ever wondered what it is like to experience a celebration in a city rich with history, music and vibrant culture? Cartagena de Indias, with its Caribbean charm and dynamic cultural scene, is the perfect place to find out.
Here, festivals are not just events, they are grand celebrations that capture the spirit of this historic city. Vibrant Cartagena is the colonial jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. The city’s magnificent architecture, coloured facades and vibrant people seem to have been constructed for celebrations and fiestas.
From classical music to the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, Cartagena has something for everyone. This is a chance for visitors to join in the celebration and experience Cartagena’s history first-hand.
One of the most enjoyable festivals to attend is, without a doubt, the Cartagena Independence Festival, held every November.
On November 11th each year, the city of Cartagena erupts into a day-long festival celebrating its independence from the Spanish Empire. People from all walks of life turn out to showcase their Colombian pride. The party-like atmosphere features street festivals, food, music, dancing and parades. These annual independence celebrations spill out into the streets long after the sun goes down.
Long ago, the celebration of the Independence of Cartagena was a party whose mission was to remember the glorious days of the history of Colombia. The Cartagena November festivities celebrate the city’s declaration of independence. On November 11th, 1811, the citizens voted to declare the city and the area around it a free state, fully independent of Spain. This was a step further than the declaration in Bogotá on July 20th, 1810, which is actually celebrated as Colombian Independence Day. The declaration in Bogotá had declared autonomy, but still pledged loyalty to the Spanish King Fernando VII.
Cartagena’s declaration established the first free state that espoused complete independence from Spain and helped inspire the rest of modern-day Colombia to move toward full independence.
A buxom performer in the main parade in Cartagena during Independence celebrations.
The celebrations began with a parade and ended with speeches, which recognized the courage of the heroes, who gave their lives to defend the independence and freedom of the Granada nation. The highlight is undoubtedly the Independence Parade, where colourful floats, traditional dancers and musicians fill the streets, creating an electric atmosphere. It is the perfect opportunity to experience Cartagena’s deep-rooted history while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of its people.
This massive procession enlivens the streets of Cartagena with stunning music and dancers in brightly coloured Carnival-like costumes who wind through the city and stop in the Plaza Trinidad. This is a very special spot where the city’s independence was officially declared over 200 years ago. The night ends (or begins, depending on your point of view) with vibrant fireworks exploding in the sky over this Caribbean paradise.
The Cartagena Independence Festivities are always held the week around November 11th. If the date falls on a weekend or Monday, it is held the week before, otherwise, it is held during the week that the day falls. History mixes with tradition as the streets of Cartagena come alive with parades, music, dances and colourful costumes reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The Nautical Independence Festival, also known as the Balleneras Parade, is one of the most iconic events of Cartagena’s November festivities. During this event, boats of all sizes participate in a colourful water parade, decorated with lights, flags and festive details that showcase Cartagena’s culture and traditions.
This parade is also integrated into the National Beauty Pageant of Colombia, with thirty-three candidates representing each Colombian department, including the Independence Queen, each aboard a different boat. This creates a unique and glamorous spectacle as the public greets them from the shore.
The most important days of the festival are Thursday, when there is always a large parade and on November 11th. itself when there is another great parade. The parades usually start in the early afternoon and last until just before sunset, take place along the Avenida Santander, which runs along the waterfront from near the airport to the neighbourhood of Bocagrande.
The Float Parade is one of the most anticipated events. These parades take place along the city’s Avenida Santander and are known for their colourful and elaborate designs.
The floats represent different aspects of Cartagena’s culture and history and are created by local artists with the assistance of mentors and professionals. During the parade, the floats make their way down the avenue, adorned with lights, music and live performers. This event draws large crowds of local spectators and tourists alike.
Some of the floats have festive live music and it is not uncommon to see famous Colombian Reggaetón or Champeta artists participating in the celebrations.
Another central event is the crowning of the Independence Queen, a pageant in which young women from the local barrios compete not only for the title, but for the pride of their communities. The candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of Cartagena’s history and traditions as well as their social commitment to their communities.
The Independence Queen, chosen during the festivities, becomes an ambassador of Cartagena’s culture and actively participates in community and social projects throughout the year.
Gastronomy
Cartagena may not be the official capital of Colombia, but some would argue that it is the culinary capital. The local seafood and tropical fruits serve as the foundation for the cuisine and the unique blend of cultural influences from Spanish, African and Indigenous routes gives it a special edge. From delicious juices to hearty fish dishes, this coastal city has earned its spot on the culinary map.
Since Cartagena sits along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, its cuisine naturally has a lot of Caribbean influence. Common ingredients include a wide variety of seafood, plus coconuts
and plantains. Some traditional dishes to enjoy while at the Festival:
Ceviche is such a popular food choice in Cartagena that you do not need to dine in a restaurant to find it. You will see Ceviche vendors selling from food carts – even on the beach. While there are lots of ceviche variations, the most classic ceviche consists of cubed raw white fish, cured in lime juice, plus herbs such as garlic and cilantro.
Ceviche
Mojarra Frita is a deep fried whole Mojarra (tilapia) fish. Many restaurants also offer other types of fish prepared the same way, but Mojarra is the most common and least expensive. No matter which type of fish you order, it will generally come with a side of coconut rice and tostones (smashed, deep-fried plantains).
Mojarra Frita
Posta Negra is like a beef roast dish, slow-cooked with a sauce made from panela, or sometimes Coca-Cola. It has a sweet, savoury taste and pairs very well with coconut rice.
While traditionally a working-class dish using cheap cuts of beef, many of the finer restaurants in Cartagena with creative chefs now serve it using higher quality cuts in versions that pay homage to this traditional home-cooked meal.
Posta Negra
Another favourite seafood dish to try in Cartagena is the seafood stew or soup known as sanchocho de pescado. Sancocho is a traditional stew made all over Colombia and often containing other meats such as beef or chicken. However, the best one to try in Cartagena is the one featuring pescado.
Seafood is King in Cartagena, so if you are a fan of seafood as a soup, the cazuela de mariscos should absolutely be on your list of foods to eat in Cartagena. This seafood stew is another local favourite that is ubiquitous to the Colombian Caribbean coast. Usually, it contains a variety of seafood and shellfish such as shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels.
Some recipes also use fish and even lobster. They are stewed in a creamy tomato and coconut sauce. It goes absolutely perfectly with some coconut rice and patacones.
Fruit
Fruit is abundant in Cartagena. You will see tropical fruit stands throughout the city selling watermelon and mangoes, as well as more exotic varieties found only in the region.
The celebration of the Independence of Cartagena is an explosion of joy, music, dances and colour in the streets of the city. This is the place to be in November for a truly memorable experience.
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