Just when you think the Christmas festivities are over and it’s time to settle into a food coma, Cali, Colombia, has other plans. Welcome to La Feria de Cali 2024, a week-long carnival that kicks off on December 25, when most of the world is still unwrapping presents or trying to fit one more slice of pie into their already stuffed bellies. But not in Cali—here, they’re just getting started!
La Feria de Cali is not your average holiday hangover. It’s a spectacular post-Christmas party where salsa music takes over the streets, and the city turns into one massive celebration of culture, music and dance. Think of it as a wild fusion of a carnival and street festival, with some of the best salsa dancing you’ll ever see in your life.
A Little History: Because Every Great Party Has a Backstory
La Feria de Cali has been around since 1957, and what started as a celebration to help Cali bounce back from tough times has turned into one of the most famous festivals in Colombia. Over the years, it’s evolved into a vibrant explosion of culture, where locals and tourists alike get swept up in the rhythm of salsa music and the pure joy of life. Cali isn’t called the “Salsa Capital of the World” for nothing!
So, while the rest of the world is chilling by the fire, stuffing their faces with leftover turkey, or catching up on Netflix, Cali is out in the streets, living its best life — dancing, singing, and turning up the heat in the middle of December. Because why wouldn’t you want to sweat it out on the dance floor after all those Christmas cookies?
What to Expect at La Feria de Cali 2024: Salsa, Parades, and Non-Stop Partying
La
Feria de Cali is all about music, parades, and non-stop fun. Expect a week of sensory overload as the city comes alive with salsa rhythms, flashy costumes, and parades that make even Mardi Gras seem tame.
- Salsa All Day, Every Day
If you love to dance—or at least pretend to—then La Feria de Cali is your paradise. Salsa is the heartbeat of this festival, and whether you’re a pro or have two left feet, you’ll be swept up in the music. Major salsa concerts take place throughout the week, featuring both local and international stars, while street corners and plazas transform into impromptu dance floors. - Salsódromo Parade
The Salsódromo Parade is the festival’s opening act on December 25, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the festivities. Imagine a giant procession of salsa dancers moving to infectious beats, all decked out in colorful costumes that put your holiday sweater to shame. It’s basically a moving party, and everyone is invited to watch, dance, and cheer along. - Cabalgata
Next up, you’ve got the Cabalgata, a massive horse parade that showcases Colombia’s love for its equestrian culture. Riders in traditional outfits trot through the streets, turning this event into a cowboy meets carnival mash-up. If you like horses, or even if you don’t, it’s still a sight to behold. - Concerts, Street Parties, and More
For the rest of the week, Cali is basically one big party. You’ll find concerts, dance-offs, and street parties around every corner. Local bands play everything from salsa and merengue to reggaetón, and the energy is nothing short of contagious. If you’ve ever wanted to salsa in the middle of a traffic jam, this is your chance.
Why You Should Attend: Because Sitting at Home Isn’t Fun
Still thinking of staying in after Christmas? Not with La Feria de Cali 2024 on the horizon! Here’s why you should throw on your dancing shoes and head to Colombia’s hottest carnival:
- It’s the Ultimate Post-Christmas Detox
Sure, you could spend December 25 nursing your food baby and binge-watching holiday specials, but why not dance it all off at La Feria de Cali? This festival will get you moving, grooving, and forgetting that you ever indulged in too many mince pies. - Experience the Best of Cali’s Culture
La Feria de Cali isn’t just about music; it’s a celebration of everything that makes Cali special. From its incredible salsa scene to the rich local traditions, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Colombian culture like never before. - It’s Warm!
While everyone else is freezing their socks off in winter wonderlands, you’ll be enjoying Cali’s warm weather and dancing under the stars. No winter coats needed here, just some sunscreen and a lot of stamina for all that salsa. - It’s Free!
Most of the events are free to attend, so you can save your money for more important things—like empanadas and beer.
See You at La Feria de Cali 2024!
In a nutshell, La Feria de Cali 2024 is the ultimate holiday season pick-me-up. From December 25 to December 30, Cali’s streets will be filled with the sounds of salsa, the sights of colorful parades, and the endless energy of people dancing the night away. So forget the post-Christmas slump and trade it in for some tropical vibes and nonstop fun at this epic Colombian carnival!
All images courtesy of La Feria de Cali.
