Holy Week 2026 in Colombia: Dates, Traditions, Destinations and Where to Stay
Holy Week is the most anticipated season of the first semester in Colombia. It's not just a religious pause: it's a combination of tradition, gastronomy, family and tourism that sets millions of Colombians in motion every year. In 2026 the opportunity is especially good: the holidays fall close to payday, domestic flights already show high demand and the best accommodations are being booked right now.
In this guide you'll find everything you need: when exactly it is, what is celebrated each day, the best destinations by type of traveler, the traditional gastronomy that cannot be missed, and practical tips so you don't end up without accommodation.
When is Holy Week 2026 in Colombia?
Holy Week 2026 begins on Sunday, March 29 with Palm Sunday and ends on Sunday, April 5 with Resurrection Sunday. It spans a total of eight days, although not all are legal holidays.
Complete calendar of Holy Week 2026
| Day | Date | Official holiday? |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | March 29, 2026 | No |
| Holy Monday | March 30, 2026 | No |
| Holy Tuesday | March 31, 2026 | No |
| Holy Wednesday | April 1, 2026 | No |
| Holy Thursday | April 2, 2026 | Yes |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Yes |
| Holy Saturday | April 4, 2026 | No |
| Resurrection Sunday | April 5, 2026 | No |
Important: although only Holy Thursday and Good Friday are holidays recognized by the Colombian State, most schools, universities and many companies grant the entire week as recess. Labor and commercial activity is notably reduced from Monday.
What is celebrated each day? Meaning of the holy days
Understanding what is commemorated each day makes the experience much richer, both for those who experience Holy Week from faith and for those who journey through it from cultural tourism.
Palm Sunday (March 29)
Marks the beginning of Holy Week. It recalls the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, received by the people with palms and olive branches. In Colombia it is traditional to attend mass with palm, iraca or nacedero branches that are blessed during the ceremony and then placed in homes as a symbol of protection and faith.
Holy Monday and Tuesday (March 30 and 31)
These are days of transition and spiritual retreat. In Christian tradition they correspond to Jesus' first days in Jerusalem, marked by teachings in the Temple. For many Colombians they are the real beginning of family vacations: the time to leave for tourist destinations before the peak movement of the holiday days.
Holy Wednesday (April 1)
Turning point of the week. It is associated with Judas' betrayal and represents the definitive passage from Lent to the Paschal Triduum, the most intense liturgical core of Holy Week. In many cities the first minor processions begin.
Holy Thursday — Holiday (April 2)
One of the days with greatest religious activity. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles, the washing of feet —a gesture of humility that priests repeat during mass— and the institution of the Eucharist. A widespread tradition in Colombia is the visit to the seven temples: touring seven churches during Holy Thursday as an act of devotion and pilgrimage. It is an official holiday: work activities are suspended.
Good Friday — Holiday (April 3)
The most solemn day of Holy Week and one of the most culturally marked in Colombia. It recalls the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. On this day abstinence from red meat applies, one of the most respected traditions even by those who do not actively profess the Catholic faith. Good Friday processions are the most massive of the year in cities like Popayán, Mompox and Tunja. It is an official holiday.
Holy Saturday (April 4)
Day of liturgical silence. The wait in the tomb is commemorated. In the evening the Easter Vigil takes place, the most important celebration of the year for Catholic liturgy, which anticipates Sunday's resurrection.
Resurrection Sunday (April 5)
End of Holy Week. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event of Christian faith. Meat abstinence does not apply this day and the atmosphere changes radically: from Friday's solemnity to Sunday's celebration. For many travelers it is the day of return to their cities of origin.
The best destinations for Holy Week 2026 in Colombia
Colombia offers three types of experience during Holy Week: religious tradition, beach rest and nature escape. According to HotelDO data, around 65% of bookings this season correspond to beach or nature destinations, while religious and cultural tourism mobilizes the remaining 35%. The three are not exclusive: many destinations combine all three elements.
To experience tradition: Popayán, Mompox and Villa de Leyva
Popayán (Cauca) is the undisputed epicenter of Holy Week in Colombia. Known as the White City for its colonial architecture, it has celebrated processions since 1566 —more than four centuries ago— and in 2009 they were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The nocturnal parades, illuminated by thousands of candles, tour the historic center with religious images of exceptional artistic value. If you're going for the first time, book well in advance: the city literally fills up.
Santa Cruz de Mompox (Bolívar) is the option for those seeking a more intimate and authentic experience. Its practically intact colonial architecture, Caribbean heat and the devotion of its inhabitants recreate an atmosphere that seems frozen in time. The Sacred Music Festival of Mompox is celebrated during this week and adds a unique cultural dimension.
Villa de Leyva (Boyacá) combines the beauty of its immense Main Square —one of the largest in South America, completely cobblestoned— with high-level ancient and sacred music programming in its colonial churches. It's one of the favorites of Bogotá residents for a short long-weekend escape.
For beach and rest: Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andrés
Cartagena is the most demanded destination of the season for those who want to combine beach with history. Its walled Historic Center experiences Holy Week with fervor: processions in colonial temples, Stations of the Cross and liturgical celebrations that contrast with the Caribbean atmosphere of its beaches. From there, getaways to Barú or the Rosario Islands complete a perfect week. You need to book well in advance: well-located apartments and villas go first.
Santa Marta offers the most versatile combination of the Colombian Caribbean: city with history (it's the oldest in Colombia), access to Tayrona Natural Park, the Sierra Nevada towns and the coastal atmosphere. It's especially popular for families and groups of friends seeking more nature options than Cartagena.
San Andrés leads year after year in searches for Holy Week. Its "sea of seven colors," water sports, Caribbean raizal atmosphere and the possibility of excursions to cays like Johnny Cay or Acuario make it the ideal escape for those seeking total disconnection.
For nature and family groups: Coffee Region
The Coffee Region (Quindío, Risaralda, Caldas) is the nature destination that grows most in demand among Colombian families. The Cocora Valley, the heritage towns of Salento and Filandia, coffee farms, canopy and horseback riding offer a complete week without needing beach. For large groups, farms with pools are the ideal accommodation: they allow organizing the entire experience in one space, with ample capacity, equipped kitchen and activities for all ages. If you have a group of 8 or more people, Coffee Region farms are, by far, the best space-experience-price ratio in all of Colombia for Holy Week.
Medellín also works as a base of operations: from there you can go to Guatapé, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Jardín or the Coffee Region itself in just a few hours.
Holy Week gastronomy in Colombia: what cannot be missed
Food is one of the most vibrant cultural expressions of Colombian Holy Week. Abstinence from red meat —especially on Good Friday— transforms the table and gives prominence to recipes that are prepared only once a year.
Stewed cod: the most iconic dish of the season. Salted cod, hydrated and cooked with tomato, onion, chili and spices is a symbol of Holy Week in the interior of the country, especially in Bogotá, Boyacá and Antioquia.
Sancocho and fish stew: in coastal regions and in many interior families, catfish, mojarra or capaz replace meat in soups and stews. Catfish stew with patacones is one of the most celebrated dishes.
Vigil potage: a hearty soup based on beans —frijoles, lentils, chickpeas— with vegetables, which in some families becomes the centerpiece of Good Friday.
Coconut rice with shrimp: especially on the Caribbean Coast, this dish combines meat restriction with sea abundance. Rice cooked with coconut milk and accompanied by fresh shrimp is a classic in Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla during this time.
Artisanal bread: throughout the week bread takes on special relevance, as a eucharistic symbol and as a usual accompaniment to vigil meals. Bakeries in cities like Bogotá, Medellín and those in the Coffee Region work double shifts.
Traditional desserts: Holy Week brings back natillas, rice pudding, mongolas (sweet beans), mazamorra and artisanal fruit sweets. Many families prepare them at home as part of the week's ritual.
Practical tips for planning your Holy Week 2026
Holy Week is the season of greatest tourist movement in the first semester. Without good planning, accommodation options are exhausted, prices rise and travel becomes chaotic. These tips help you avoid the most common mistakes:
Book accommodation in advance. Accommodations in Cartagena, Santa Marta, the Coffee Region and Popayán fill up weeks before the season. For Holy Week 2026, if you haven't booked yet, act this week. Farms and houses with capacity for groups of 8 or more people are the first to sell out.
If traveling with a family group, consider farms or complete houses. A complete apartment or farm rented for the group usually costs less per person than hotels, and offers logistical advantages that are key for families: own kitchen (especially useful for preparing traditional dishes), ample common spaces and schedule freedom.
Plan your travel. Holy Thursday and Good Friday are the days of greatest traffic on Colombian roads. If going by car, find out about peak and plate restrictions in destination cities and about the state of intermunicipal roads. If going by bus, buy tickets in advance because terminals overflow.
For Popayán and Mompox, define exact dates. Processions have specific schedules and hotel occupancy in both cities reaches 100%. If your main objective is to experience religious Holy Week in either of these destinations, you need to have everything booked well in advance.
Take advantage of less congested days. Holy Monday and Tuesday are the best days to arrive at your destination and do activities. The bulk of travelers move on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. If you arrive earlier and return on Holy Saturday, you avoid the longest lines at airports and terminals.
Check your accommodation's emergency plans. Seasonal rains are common in some regions during this time. If your plan includes outdoor activities, confirm cancellation policies and alternatives from your accommodation before traveling.
Where to stay for Holy Week 2026? Digitra Rentals has options in the most sought-after destinations
If you're looking for apartments, farms or houses for Holy Week 2026, Digitra Rentals has inventory in the destinations with highest demand of the season: Cartagena, Santa Marta, the Coffee Region and Medellín.
Coffee Region farms are especially ideal for family groups: ample spaces, pool, equipped kitchen and access to all coffee region activities. Apartments in Cartagena and Santa Marta offer the best location to combine beach with religious and cultural events of the historic center.
👉 Check availability and book at digitra.rentals — book in advance, the best accommodations for Holy Week sell out first.
Frequently asked questions about Holy Week 2026 in Colombia
When is Holy Week 2026 in Colombia?
Holy Week 2026 in Colombia begins on Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday) and ends on Sunday, April 5 (Resurrection Sunday). The official holidays are Holy Thursday, April 2, and Good Friday, April 3.
How many holiday days does Holy Week 2026 have?
Only two days are legal holidays: Holy Thursday (April 2) and Good Friday (April 3). However, most educational institutions and many companies grant the entire week as recess.
In which month does Holy Week 2026 fall?
Holy Week 2026 falls between late March and early April: from March 29 to April 5.
What are the best destinations for Holy Week in Colombia?
The most popular destinations are: Popayán (UNESCO Heritage processions), Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andrés (beach), the Coffee Region (farms and nature), Mompox (historical tradition) and Villa de Leyva (culture and sacred music).
Why isn't red meat eaten during Holy Week?
Abstinence from red meat during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday, is a penitential practice of Catholic tradition that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice. In Colombia this custom is deeply rooted and is respected in many homes regardless of the level of religious practice.
How far in advance should I book accommodation?
For Holy Week 2026 it is recommended to book at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance. If you're looking for a farm or house for a large group in the Coffee Region, Cartagena or Santa Marta, do it as soon as possible: that type of accommodation sells out first.
What is done on Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. The faithful attend mass carrying palm or iraca branches that are blessed during the celebration. It is a day of family gathering and, for many, the beginning of the trip to seasonal destinations.
Guide prepared by the Digitra Rentals editorial team. Updated March 19, 2026.