Nestled in the north of Colombia, where the Caribbean Sea meets the majestic Magdalena River, Colombia’s most vital waterway, lies the Atlantic Department. This Colombian region brims with cultural riches and mesmerizing traditions that enchant visitors. These traditions have taken root thanks to the blend of indigenous and European peoples who arrived during the last century, utilizing the strategically located ports for the nation’s trade.

World’s Second-Largest Carnival

Perhaps the most genuine expression of the Atlantic Department is the Barranquilla Carnivals. At the start of each year, ‘La Arenosa’ opens its doors, inviting everyone into a world of fantasy.

Characters such as marimondas, king momos, negritas puloys, and garabatos bring life to the streets, which burst with color, music, and dance, showcasing a joy found only in this corner of Colombia.

This year, the carnival will be celebrated from February 10th to 13th, with Melissa Cure Villa hosting as the 88th queen in the history of this festivity. Recognized as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, it stands as the second-largest carnival in the world, following Rio de Janeiro’s. The event is echoed in other Atlantic municipalities like Santo Tomás, where the traditional ‘Santoto’ Battle of Flowers takes place a day after the Guacherna night parade.

Music, a Symbol of Identity

Music is a critical element of Atlántico’s identity. Genres like vallenato, salsa, cumbia, and mapalé are cultural pillars. Various venues allow visitors to immerse themselves in this culture and sway their hips to the same rhythm as the locals. One such iconic place is ‘La Troja,’ the salsa temple located at carrera 44 with calle 72 in Barranquilla, where Caribbean rhythms play all night, enticing everyone to dance, whether they are dancers or not.

Diverse Cuisine

Atlántico is a culinary paradise where local flavors blend with those of the ‘new world.’ Dishes like sancocho de guandú, arroz de lisa, mojarra frita with patacones and coconut rice, stuffed potatoes, carimañolas, arepa e’ huevo, and butifarra delight tourists’ palates. The latter, made from cow’s innards, is a heritage of the municipality of Soledad.

Religion Lived with Fervor

Religion plays a crucial role in Atlántico’s customs. Holy Week is observed with fervor, through processions and rituals that reflect the deep-seated faith of the population. Tourists can witness these celebrations in municipalities like Sabanalarga, where the experience is so immersive that it is said many who are not believers fall in love with the mystery of Christ’s passion.