Cartagena Independence Festivities 2026: dates and things to do in the city
Quick answer: The Mayor's Office decreed three civic days for the 2026 independence festivities: November 11, 12 and 13. The Nautical Festival is scheduled for the 13th and 14th, and November 16 is a public holiday that closes the official programme. Check the times in the official programme before booking.
Updated on 05/11/2026.
What is confirmed
- Civic days: November 11, 12 and 13, 2026 (Mayor's Office decree, according to El Universal).
- Cartagena Nautical Festival: November 13 and 14, 2026, according to the published calendar.
- November 16: public holiday in Cartagena and close of the official programme with the Reinado Intercorregimental.
We do not confirm here the date of the National Beauty Queen's coronation: check with the IPCC or the Mayor's Office.
How to combine the programme with tours
With the streets of the centre very crowded, tours outside the city are one way to spread out the days: the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca or the Totumo volcano leave in the morning and return in the afternoon. For the evening, there are sunset boats and boat parties, shown below with a reference price.
| Tour | Place | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Rosario Islands day trip | Rosario Islands | from US$ 73 |
| Playa Blanca day trip | Barú | from US$ 31 |
| Sunset cruise on Cartagena Bay | Cartagena Bay | US$ 25 |
| Caribbean party boat | Cartagena Bay | US$ 45 |
| Totumo mud volcano trip | Surroundings | US$ 50 |
Reference prices per person, in US dollars (USD), converted at the 01/11/2026 exchange rate and reviewed on 05/11/2026. The final price is the one shown by the partner at checkout.
Practical tips
Book ahead on festival dates, because places on boats and beach clubs are limited. Check each tour's cancellation policy on the partner's page.
Quick questions
What are the civic days in Cartagena in November 2026?
The Mayor's Office decreed November 11, 12 and 13, 2026 as civic days, according to El Universal.
When is the Nautical Festival?
It is scheduled for November 13 and 14, 2026, according to the published calendar; check the official programme.
