Cartagena Music Festival

The Cartagena Festival de Música takes place from 9 to 17 January 2027 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Fundación Salvi (opens in a new tab) announces the 21st edition under the theme La Proporción Divina: Música en Perfecto Equilibrio. Its programme (opens in a new tab) lists concerts and other events at several venues, each with its own admission conditions.

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What is the Cartagena Music Festival?

The festival brings classical and other musical performances to Cartagena alongside educational and cultural activities. Fundación Salvi describes its 2027 edition as a meeting of classical repertoire with contemporary creation, literature and science. The official announcement (opens in a new tab) names Colombian composer and producer Julio Reyes Copello as artistic director. The English Chamber Orchestra is announced as resident orchestra; check each concert listing for its actual performers.

The festival itself has legal recognition in Colombia: Law 2340 of 2023 (opens in a new tab) declared the Cartagena Festival de Música cultural heritage of the nation. This is a Colombian designation for the festival. It should not be confused with UNESCO's separate designation for Cartagena's port, fortresses and monuments.

Dates and programme for 2027

The festival runs from Saturday 9 January through Sunday 17 January. For other dates that may affect your trip, see our Colombia public holidays calendar. The published programme (opens in a new tab) lists individual dates, times, venues and ticket links. It includes performances at Teatro Adolfo Mejía, Capilla Hotel Santa Clara and Palacio de la Proclamación, among other places. Some listings identify an event as private or a transmission; read the individual entry before making travel plans. The organiser states that the programme can change.

A useful way to plan is to choose one or two concerts first, then arrange meals and travel around their actual start and finish times. The festival dates do not mean that every artist performs daily. If you want to hear a particular ensemble or attend an activity in a specific language, confirm the details on that event's page and leave time to reach the venue.

Tickets and free events

The organiser's ticket page (opens in a new tab) directs online buyers to TuBoleta and links to the programme. Some programme entries carry a purchase link, while others have different access arrangements. Check the listing for the current price, fees, age guidance, seat category and any restrictions before paying. A ticket for one concert should not be assumed to cover a different performance.

Some individual event pages, including this 10 January concert (opens in a new tab), list free entry until capacity is reached. Free admission is not the same as a guaranteed seat: check whether the particular event requires registration, when doors open and what happens when capacity is reached. Keep your confirmation or ticket accessible and consult the organiser if a listing is unclear. Avoid treating prices or access rules from an earlier edition as current.

Venues and getting around

Cartagena de Indias has several festival venues rather than a single festival site. The 2027 programme names Teatro Adolfo Mejía, Capilla Hotel Santa Clara and Palacio de la Proclamación, among others. It also lists events outside those rooms and identifies some private locations. Use the exact venue shown for your chosen event, not the address of the festival office or the name of the city alone.

For visitors staying near the historic centre, compare walking distances and the route to each event before booking. If you use a taxi or an organised transfer, agree the pickup point and allow time for traffic. At the airport, use the airport's official information (opens in a new tab) to check current ground-transport options. Confirm your return trip as well, especially after an evening concert.

Music education and the 2027 theme

The 2027 theme, La Proporción Divina: Música en Perfecto Equilibrio, connects the edition's programme with ideas of proportion and balance. The organiser also describes an Experiencia Gabo connected with writer Gabriel García Márquez. The programme marks Casa García Márquez events as private, so check the particular listing and its conditions rather than assuming the house is freely open to visitors.

The festival's education call (opens in a new tab) describes masterclasses and meetings with teachers for advanced young musicians from Colombia, scheduled for 10–16 January 2027. Participation is free for selected active participants, who must cover their own travel and accommodation. These application terms concern the training programme; they do not establish public access to every session. Check with the organiser if you want to attend as a listener.

Accessibility, accommodation and practicalities

Accessibility and seating can differ between historic venues, hotels and purpose-built halls. Before buying, ask the festival (opens in a new tab) or the relevant venue about step-free access, accessible seating, toilets and the route from your drop-off point. If you are attending with children, check the age guidance on each performance instead of assuming one rule applies festival-wide.

When choosing accommodation, compare the route to the performances you intend to see, the total price and cancellation terms. Cartagena's climate is warm; bring comfortable shoes and check the forecast for rain and sun before a day of walking between venues. Indoor spaces may be cool, so a light layer can be useful. Consult the festival for current bag and photography rules.

Frequently asked questions

When is Cartagena Music Festival 2027?

The organiser lists 9–17 January 2027. Individual events have separate dates and times in the official programme.

Where does the festival take place?

In Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, at multiple venues. The 2027 programme includes Teatro Adolfo Mejía, Capilla Hotel Santa Clara and Palacio de la Proclamación; verify the venue for each event.

Are there free concerts?

Some individual 2027 event pages state that admission is free until capacity is reached. Check the individual listing for admission and any registration requirements.

Where can I buy tickets?

The organiser's ticketing page (opens in a new tab) links to TuBoleta. Check the exact performance and conditions before purchase.