The 8 Most Emblematic Traditional Events to Experience in Bogotá

If you’re planning a visit to Bogotá, timing it with one of the city’s cultural festivals is one of the best decisions you’ll make. From historic parades in cobbled plazas to traditional dishes served during national holidays, these events bring Bogotá’s spirit to life. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most emblematic traditional events in Bogotá: what makes each one unique, when to go, and how to experience it like a local. 

Bogotá’s Calendar of Traditions: What to Expect and When to Visit

Bogotá’s cultural rhythm follows a rich blend of religious, historical, and seasonal traditions — with no true “off-season.”

• Traditional events in Bogotá are shaped by Catholic heritage, indigenous customs, and the city’s own historical milestones.
• Because of the stable mountain climate, major celebrations are held year-round.
• Most traditional festivals take place between February and December, with peak activity in June through August and during the Christmas season.

If you’re drawn to cultural travel, we highly recommend aligning your trip with at least one of these celebrations. From parades to gastronomy to ancestral rituals, these festivals offer something for every kind of traveler — whether you’re into food, the arts, or local history.

Insider Tip: For the most seamless experience, book accommodations in Zona G, Usaquén, or Chicó, which keep you close to many event hubs without sacrificing comfort or quality.

1. Carnival of Bogotá: Founding Day with Dance, Theater, and History

Held on August 5–6, Bogotá’s Carnival celebrates the city’s founding anniversary. It’s one of the few events that combines Indigenous heritage, Spanish colonial history, and contemporary urban culture.

• Celebrations begin in late July with pre-carnival parades and artistic showcases.
• On the main carnival days, expect a full schedule of street theater, costumed parades, music, and traditional food stalls across districts like La Candelaria and Teusaquillo.

Why it’s emblematic:

• The carnival revives indigenous Muisca rituals, especially through symbolic performances and ceremonies.
• Events like the “Comparsa de la Diversidad” highlight Bogotá’s multicultural roots, with participants from every region of Colombia.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the main parade route, which often runs through the historic center. Book a rooftop lunch or cocktail at a boutique hotel in La Candelaria for a panoramic view of the parade below.

2. Lechona Festival: A Gourmet Tribute to Colombian Culinary Tradition

Held every June, the Lechona Festival is a celebration of Tolima and Huila culinary heritage, centered around the iconic dish: lechona — stuffed roasted pork filled with rice, peas, and spices.

• It’s not just about food; it’s a celebration of regional identity, complete with traditional dress, live music, and cooking competitions.
• Events are usually hosted in cultural venues, upscale restaurants, and gastronomy markets around Chapinero and Usaquén.

Why it matters:

• Lechona isn’t street food in this context — chefs from across Colombia showcase high-end versions, sometimes pairing with local wines or traditional liquors.
• You’ll learn about rituals and techniques passed down for generations.

Insider Tip: Make a reservation at one of the top Colombian restaurants offering a festival menu. We recommend El Ciervo y el Oso or Mini-Mal for an elevated experience.

3. Festival de Verano & La Noche China: An August Blend of Ancestral and Global Traditions 

The Festival de Verano takes over August with over a month of cultural, athletic, and artistic programming — including one of its most unique highlights: La Noche China.

• Hosted in Simón Bolívar Park, the event features folkloric music, traditional dances, wellness workshops, and indigenous rituals.
• La Noche China, part of the festival, adds a multicultural dimension, showcasing Chinese arts, tea ceremonies, and dragon dance performances.

Why it’s emblematic:

• The festival brings together Colombia’s own traditions — like ancestral medicine and music from the Muisca — with international cultural exchanges.
• Many of the performances are free and designed to be immersive, with storytelling, hands-on workshops, and artisanal shopping.

Insider Tip: To enjoy the traditional side without large crowds, go early in the morning or check the official city schedule for cultural programming days. Don’t miss the sunset performances near the lake for a truly scenic experience.

4. Festival de la Candelaria: Bogotá’s Oldest Neighborhood Comes Alive 

The Festival de la Candelaria takes place each February 2nd, centered in La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic heart and the birthplace of the city.

• This event honors Our Lady of Candelaria, the city’s patron saint.
• The festival blends Catholic traditions with indigenous rituals, creating a unique, cross-cultural celebration.
• You’ll see open-air theatre, folk dance troupes, live Andean music, and food vendors selling everything from chicha (fermented corn drink) to obleas (wafers filled with arequipe and jam).
  

Why it’s emblematic:

• The colonial streets of La Candelaria provide a cinematic backdrop for this event. There’s nothing quite like watching traditional dancers perform against a backdrop of 400-year-old architecture.
• Small museums and cultural centers, like Casa de la Moneda and Museo Botero, often hold free events or artist talks during the week.

Insider Tip: Arrive early and explore the neighborhood on foot. The Plazoleta del Chorro de Quevedo is a great starting point to catch the energy and find a seat before performances begin.

5. Día de la Independencia: A Patriotic Celebration with a Bogotá Twist 

On July 20th, Bogotá celebrates Colombia’s Independence Day, and the entire city joins in — not just in patriotism, but in honoring regional culture.

• The main parade takes place in Plaza de Bolívar, featuring military bands and national honors.
  But neighborhoods across the city add their own flavor, with folkloric dances, live concerts, and culinary exhibitions.

Why it’s emblematic:

• You’ll experience regional rhythms like bambuco, joropo, and cumbia, all performed live in plazas and parks.
• Pop-up markets and food fairs feature traditional dishes from every corner of Colombia — from lechona (stuffed pork) to ajiaco (a Bogotá specialty).
  In areas like Barrios Unidos and Teusaquillo, you’ll often find horse parades and artisan showcases that blend urban life with rural pride.

Insider Tip: Plan to visit Museo Nacional or Museo del Oro — both usually offer free or discounted entry on Independence Day. Upscale restaurants in Zona Rosa and Chapinero Alto often curate patriotic tasting menus with wine pairings and cocktails inspired by local spirits like aguardiente.

6. Christmas Season in Bogotá: Lights, Novenas, and Local Joy

Christmas in Bogotá is a deeply rooted tradition — festive, spiritual, and full of warmth.

• The city comes alive with millions of Christmas lights starting in early December.
• The most important tradition is Las Novenas, a nine-night celebration leading up to Christmas Eve, combining prayer, music, and food.
• You’ll hear traditional carols (villancicos) played on flutes and guitars, and see families gathering each night to celebrate.
  

Where to go:

• Parque El Tunal, Parque de los Novios, and Parque 93 all feature public light shows, live music, and local food stalls.
• Upscale shopping centers like Andino and El Retiro host indoor light displays, nativity scenes, and choirs.
  The hilltop church at Monserrate offers a stunning night-time view of the city’s lights, with evening mass and traditional treats available from local vendors.

What to taste:

• Don’t miss seasonal favorites like buñuelos (fried cheese dough), natilla (a custard-like dessert), and canelazo (a hot cinnamon drink with aguardiente).
  High-end restaurants often create holiday menus featuring Andean interpretations of Christmas fare.

Insider Tip: Dress in warm layers for evening walks. Bogotá’s December nights can drop below 10°C, especially at altitude. Book reservations early for fine dining experiences — this is one of the city’s most popular seasons.

7. Expoartesanías: Colombia’s Artisan Heritage on Display

Every December, Expoartesanías brings together Colombia’s top artisans in one of Bogotá’s most anticipated cultural exhibitions.

• Hosted at Corferias, this event features handwoven textiles, ceramics, indigenous jewelry, and woodwork from dozens of regions.
• It’s more than a craft fair — it’s a curated cultural exhibition that honors craftsmanship as cultural memory.

What makes it emblematic:

•  You’ll find artisans from Wayuu, Embera, Nasa, and Kankuamo communities — many of whom have UNESCO-recognized practices.
• Visitors can observe live demonstrations of traditional weaving and carving techniques.

Insider Tip: Plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds. If you’re looking to take home meaningful souvenirs, this is the best place to find authentic, high-quality pieces — not tourist-market replicas.

8. The Ibero-American Theater Festival (Every 2 Years)

Though not annual, the Ibero-American Theater Festival (held every two years, usually in March or April) deserves a mention.

• It turns Bogotá into a “Theater City”, with traditional and contemporary performances across parks, plazas, and theaters.
• The opening parade features cultural delegations from over 20 countries and often includes Colombian folkloric elements.

If you’re in town during this time, it’s a can’t-miss — but check the year first, as it alternates.

Making the Most of Your Time in Bogotá During Traditional Events

Whether you’re here for a culinary festival, a patriotic parade, or a night of ancestral music, Bogotá’s traditional events offer more than a show — they give you a sense of place and history.

• Stay in neighborhoods like Usaquén, Zona G, or La Candelaria depending on your preferred vibe (quiet luxury, gourmet, or cultural charm).
• Be sure to dress in layers — Bogotá’s mountain weather changes quickly.
• Most importantly: engage. These festivals are built on community — and visitors are always welcome to join the celebration.

Get More Out of Your Trip with Cielo Travel 

Want to celebrate Bogotá’s traditions as locals do? Then, work with locals to plan your trip. 

Entrust the team at Cielo Travel with your plans and find the best accommodations, culinary experiences, and cultural adventures.