Colombia: Carnival celebrations in Atlántico Jan. 20 to Feb. 12

Event

Carnival celebrations are scheduled to take place throughout the Atlántico department from January 20 to February 12, 2018. Some of the largest celebrations will take place in the following cities:

• Saturday, January 20: in Soledad
• Saturday, January 27: in Puerto Colombia and Juan de Acosta
• Saturday, February 3: in Santo Tomás and Sabanalarga
• Sunday, February 4: in Baranoa, Galapa, and Tubará
• Friday, February 9: in Sabanalarga and Luruaco
• Saturday, February 10: in Suan
• Sunday, February 11: in Campo de la Cruz
• Monday, February 12: in Piojó, Galapa, Campo de la Cruz, and Palmar de Varela

An influx of tourists across the country is expected for these celebrations and, as such, increased congestion at travel hubs, increased demand for hotels (and higher prices), and increased car traffic in certain cities is to be anticipated.

Furthermore, rates of petty (as well as more violent) crime tend to rise considerably during the carnival period. Increased security measures, such as security checkpoints, are to be anticipated.

Context

Carnival celebrations, held in Catholic cities and countries across the world, are often marked with parades, street parties, and colorful costumes. The festivities typically culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday (this year February 14), which marks the start of the solemn 40-day Lent period.

Advice

Those present in the Atlántico department during the Carnival period are advised to exercise an increased level of vigilance regarding crime (carry only small amounts of cash, leave copies of passports/credit cards in a safe location, etc.) and to allow for additional time to reach their destinations.