Every July, Santa Marta transforms. The streets fill with music, the bays come alive with nautical competitions, the beaches become stages, and the Caribbean atmosphere heats up several degrees. That’s what the Fiesta del Mar is: the most important celebration of the year in Colombia’s oldest city. In 2026, the festival arrives with a special edition: Santa Marta turns 501 years old, giving this edition a truly unique significance.
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Marta in July, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about Fiesta del Mar 2026: what it is, the dates, the official day-by-day schedule, which tours to do during the celebration, and the most frequently asked questions so you don’t miss a thing. If you are interested in knowing what to do in Santa Marta
What is Fiesta del Mar?
Fiesta del Mar is Santa Marta’s most important cultural and tourist event. It was born in 1959 as a celebration to mark the city’s founding anniversary and highlight the natural marine richness of the Colombian Caribbean. Since then, it has grown into a full week of music, sport, gastronomy and tradition that draws thousands of national and international visitors every year.
The event combines three main pillars: the Nautical Games (swimming, water skiing, kayak, surfing, paddle, volleyball and beach soccer), concerts and artistic evenings on open-air stages, and the Reinado Nacional del Mar (National Sea Pageant), where candidates from across Colombia and abroad compete in maritime sporting disciplines. The main venues are the bays of El Rodadero, Santa Marta and Taganga — three natural settings that give the festival a one-of-a-kind stage.
In 2026, Fiesta del Mar takes on even greater meaning: Santa Marta celebrates 501 years since its founding, making this edition one of the biggest in the city’s history.
Fiesta del Mar 2026 Schedule in Santa Marta - 23 to 29 july 2026.
Fiesta del Mar 2026 will take place from July 23 to 29. The Alcaldía Distrital declared July 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29 as non-working civic days to encourage citizen participation. This is the confirmed official schedule:
Thursday, July 23: Opening Day
● 5:00 p.m. Opening of the Ciudad Perdida Exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of its discovery, at Parque Bolívar.
● 8:00 p.m. Gospel Concert at Tarima Playa Los Cocos. Artists: Evan Craft and Montesanto.
Friday, July 24: Food, Fashion & Vallenato
● 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Gastronomy Festival “Cocinar Santa Marta 501 Años” at the Camelón Zona Norte.
● 6:00 p.m. Acordeones y Mar Concert at Tarima Playa Los Cocos. Artists: Elder Dayán Díaz, Checo Acosta and others.
● 7:00 p.m. Ixel Moda at Claustro San Juan Nepomuceno.
Saturday, July 25: Maritime Traditions
● 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Gastronomy Festival “Cocinar Santa Marta 501 Años” at the Camelón Zona Norte.
● 3:00 p.m. Balleneras Parade on Santa Marta Bay.
● 5:00 p.m. Balleneras Concert on Santa Marta Bay.
Sunday, July 26: Folklore & Street Party
● 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Gastronomy Festival “Cocinar Santa Marta 501 Años” at the Camelón Zona Norte.
● 1:00 p.m. Folkloric Parade from Carrera 4 to La Lucha.
● 6:00 p.m. Verbena Concert at Tarima Playa Los Cocos. Artists: Lalo Ebratt, L’Omy, Mane Ariza, Estereobeat, Yera, Blindaje 10, Theo and Reynell.
Monday, July 27: Maritime Heritage & Vallenato
● 8:00 a.m. Nautical Review at Playa Los Cocos.
● 5:00 p.m. Guardianes del Mar at Playa Los Cocos.
● 6:00 p.m. Coronation of the Capitana Distrital del Mar at Tarima Playa Los Cocos.
● 8:00 p.m. Vallenato Composers Concert. Artists: Iván Ovalle, Rafa Manjarrez, Fabián Corrales, Wilfran Castillo and Roberto Calderón.
Tuesday, July 28: The Grand Finale
● 6:00 p.m. Coronation of the Capitana Nacional del Mar at Tarima Playa Los Cocos. Artists: Gusi and Churo Díaz.
● 8:00 p.m. Gran Serenata a Santa Marta. Headliner: Beéle. The most anticipated night of Fiesta del Mar 2026.
Wednesday, July 29: Santa Marta's 501st Anniversary
● Celebrate Santa Marta's Founding Anniversary.
● Enjoy the traditional serenade and a fireworks display over the bay (subject to the official schedule).
Tours to Enjoy During Fiesta del Mar
During Fiesta del Mar, Santa Marta has even more to offer than its festival stages. Magic Tour Colombia runs daily tours you can combine with the celebration schedule to get the most out of your visit:
Free Tour Santa Marta: The best way to start. A guided walk through the historic center to discover the history and culture of a city turning 501. Ideal for your first day in Santa Marta.
Tayrona Park Cabo San Juan Tour: For nature lovers, this tour takes you to the heart of Tayrona Park, with jungle trails and pristine beaches. A perfect plan to step away from the festival and reconnect with the natural Caribbean.
Playa Cristal Tour: Crystal-clear waters, snorkeling and calm. Ideal for those who want a relaxed beach day away from the festival buzz.
Tayrona Buggy Tour: An adventure through rural paths and stunning natural scenery for the more active members of the group.
Kutunzama Tour: Visit an Arhuaco indigenous community in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, learn about their ancestral traditions and connect with a unique cultural dimension. The perfect complement to a Fiesta del Mar that celebrates samario identity.
City Tour in Santa Marta: Visit the city’s main urban attractions (Cathedral, Parque de los Novios, Tairona Gold Museum) and explore the historic sites of a city with five centuries of history. A perfect agenda to enjoy both the festival and the destination.
We recommend booking your tours in advance during Fiesta del Mar, as the city sees a significant increase in visitors and spots fill up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fiesta del Mar 2026
When is Fiesta del Mar 2026?
From July 23 to 29, 2026 in Santa Marta, Magdalena. July 29 is the city’s official founding date.
What is Fiesta del Mar?
It’s Santa Marta’s most important annual celebration, combining nautical games, concerts, parades, gastronomy and the National Sea Pageant to commemorate the city’s founding anniversary.
Who is the main artist at Fiesta del Mar 2026?
Beéle is the headline artist of Fiesta del Mar 2026. He will perform on Tuesday, July 28 at the Gran Serenata a Santa Marta at Tarima Playa Los Cocos.
What does Santa Marta’s 501 years mean?
Santa Marta was founded on July 29, 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, making it Colombia’s oldest city. In 2026 it turns 501, which is why this edition of Fiesta del Mar has such special significance.
What is the official anthem of Fiesta del Mar 2026?
“35 Grados”, performed by the Samarian Flavor collective, made up of Mane Ariza, Yera, Lalo Ebratt, L’Omy, Blindaje 10, Estereobeat, Reynell and Theo.
Where do the Fiesta del Mar events take place?
The main venues are Tarima Playa Los Cocos, Santa Marta Bay, Parque Bolívar, the Camelón Zona Norte and Taganga Bay.
Are there civic holidays during Fiesta del Mar 2026?
Yes. The Alcaldía declared July 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29, 2026 as non-working civic days so that both residents and visitors can enjoy the full schedule.
Should I book accommodation in advance for Fiesta del Mar?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Santa Marta receives a high volume of visitors during Fiesta del Mar week and hotel and apartment availability drops quickly, often weeks before the event.
Can I take tours to Tayrona during Fiesta del Mar?
Yes. Tayrona Park operates normally during Fiesta del Mar. Magic Tour Colombia offers daily tours that you can book in advance to combine the festival with the natural Caribbean landscape.
How much does it cost to attend the Fiesta del Mar 2026 concerts?
Most events at Tarima Playa Los Cocos and other public venues are free admission. Some special events or grandstand areas may have a fee; check the official schedule from the Alcaldía Distrital to confirm.
What nautical sports take place during Fiesta del Mar?
Swimming, water skiing, kayak, surfing, paddle, rowing, beach volleyball and beach soccer, among others. The venues are the bays of El Rodadero, Santa Marta and Taganga.
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