Biggest Festivals in Latin America

From colorful street parades to religious processions, Latin America is home to some of the world’s most exciting and vibrant festivals. With so many cultural and historical influences, each country has a unique way of celebrating their traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the region, these festivals offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Latin America. Here are the top 15 biggest festivals in Latin America.

Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro 🎉

The Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro is the biggest festival in Brazil and one of the largest in the world. Every year, millions of people from all over the globe flock to Rio de Janeiro to witness the spectacle of samba schools, dancers, and musicians parade through the streets. The festival lasts for four days and is an explosion of color, dance, and music.

When does the Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro take place?

The festival usually takes place in February or March, 40 days before Easter.

What is the history of the Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro?

The Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro dates back to the 18th century, when Portuguese immigrants brought their traditions to Brazil. Today, the festival is a celebration of Brazilian culture and identity.

La Feria de las Flores, Medellin 🌸

The Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival, is a ten-day event held annually in Medellin, Colombia. The festival celebrates the city’s status as the flower capital of the country, with floral displays, parades, and concerts. One of the highlights of the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros, a parade in which flower growers carry elaborate arrangements on their backs.

When does the Feria de las Flores take place?

The festival takes place in August every year.

What is the history of the Feria de las Flores?

The Feria de las Flores dates back to 1957, when a group of flower growers organized a parade to showcase their flowers. Today, it is one of the most important events in Medellin, drawing tourists from all over the world.

Inti Raymi, Cusco 🌞

Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is a traditional Incan festival held in Cusco, Peru. The festival celebrates the winter solstice and honors the sun god Inti. The event features colorful costumes, music, and dance performances, as well as a reenactment of the Incan ceremony of offering to the sun.

When does Inti Raymi take place?

The festival takes place on June 24th every year.

What is the history of Inti Raymi?

Inti Raymi has been celebrated since Incan times, but was banned by the Spanish in the 16th century. In the 20th century, the festival was revived as a way to celebrate Peruvian culture and heritage.

Day of the Dead, Mexico 🎃

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican festival that honors the dead. The festival is a celebration of life and death, and is marked by colorful altars, flowers, and offerings to the deceased. It is a time for families to come together and remember their loved ones who have passed away.

When is the Day of the Dead?

The festival takes place on November 1st and 2nd every year.

What is the history of the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead has its roots in Aztec culture, but was influenced by Catholicism when the Spanish colonized Mexico. Today, it is a blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions.

Independence Day, Colombia 🇨🇴

Independence Day, or Dia de la Independencia, is a national holiday in Colombia that celebrates the country’s independence from Spain. The festival is marked by parades, fireworks, and cultural events. It is a time for Colombians to come together and celebrate their national identity.

When is Independence Day?

The festival takes place on July 20th every year.

What is the history of Independence Day?

Colombia gained its independence from Spain on July 20th, 1810, after years of colonial rule. Today, the festival is a celebration of Colombian culture and history.

El Gran Poder, Bolivia 🎭

El Gran Poder, or the Great Power, is a religious festival held in La Paz, Bolivia. The festival honors the Virgen del Carmen and features colorful costumes, music, and dance. One of the highlights of the festival is the Diablada, a dance that represents the battle between good and evil.

When is El Gran Poder?

The festival takes place in May or June every year.

What is the history of El Gran Poder?

El Gran Poder has its roots in indigenous traditions, but was influenced by Catholicism when the Spanish colonized Bolivia. Today, it is a blend of indigenous and Catholic beliefs.

Carnaval de Barranquilla 🎭

The Carnaval de Barranquilla is a four-day festival held in Barranquilla, Colombia. The festival is a celebration of Caribbean culture and features music, dance, and colorful costumes. One of the highlights of the festival is the Battle of the Flowers, a parade in which participants throw flowers at each other.

When is the Carnaval de Barranquilla?

The festival takes place in February or March every year.

What is the history of the Carnaval de Barranquilla?

The Carnaval de Barranquilla has its roots in African, indigenous, and Spanish traditions. Today, it is a celebration of Colombian culture and identity.

Feria de Cali, Colombia 🎶

The Feria de Cali is a five-day festival held in Cali, Colombia. The festival is a celebration of salsa music and dance, and features concerts, parades, and competitions. It is a time for Calenos to come together and celebrate their love of music and dance.

When is the Feria de Cali?

The festival takes place in December every year.

What is the history of the Feria de Cali?

The Feria de Cali was first held in 1957 as a way to promote the city’s salsa music. Today, it is one of the biggest salsa festivals in the world.

Corpus Christi, Cusco 🍞

Corpus Christi is a religious festival held in Cusco, Peru. The festival is a celebration of the Eucharist and features processions, music, and dance. It is a time for the people of Cusco to come together and celebrate their faith.

When is Corpus Christi?

The festival takes place in June every year.

What is the history of Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi has its roots in Catholicism, but was influenced by indigenous traditions when the Spanish colonized Peru. Today, it is a blend of Catholic and indigenous beliefs.

Carnaval de Oruro 🎉

The Carnaval de Oruro is a religious festival held in Oruro, Bolivia. The festival is a celebration of the Virgen del Socavon and features colorful costumes, music, and dance. One of the highlights of the festival is the Diablada, a dance that represents the battle between good and evil.

When is the Carnaval de Oruro?

The festival takes place in February or March every year.

What is the history of the Carnaval de Oruro?

The Carnaval de Oruro has its roots in indigenous traditions, but was influenced by Catholicism when the Spanish colonized Bolivia. Today, it is a blend of indigenous and Catholic beliefs.

Festival de la Candelaria, Peru 🕯️

The Festival de la Candelaria is a religious festival held in Puno, Peru. The festival is a celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria and features colorful costumes, music, and dance. One of the highlights of the festival is the Diablada, a dance that represents the battle between good and evil.

When is the Festival de la Candelaria?

The festival takes place in February every year.

What is the history of the Festival de la Candelaria?

The Festival de la Candelaria has its roots in both Catholic and indigenous traditions. Today, it is a celebration of Peruvian culture and identity.

Semana Santa, Guatemala 🕊️

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a religious festival held in Antigua,