Fiestas del Café 2026 in Calarcá: a preliminary guide to Quindío's coffee tradition

• 5 Jun 2026
• César Camelo
• Posted in Plans and Routes Events and Fairs

Fiestas del Café 2026 in Calarcá: a preliminary guide to Quindío's coffee tradition

Fiestas del Café 2026 in Calarcá: a celebration that smells of tradition

The Fiestas del Café in Calarcá, also known as the Fiesta Nacional del Café (National Coffee Festival), are one of the most important cultural celebrations in Quindío. Every year the town becomes a meeting point for anyone who wants to experience the music, the parades, the food, the coffee culture and the joy of the Villa del Cacique.

According to Colombia Travel, the festival takes place every year in late June, has been held since 1960 and has been declared a Tourism Resource and Cultural Heritage of the department of Quindío. In 2026 the celebration carries special meaning, as Calarcá marks 140 years since its founding.

We will update this article as soon as the Calarcá town council publishes the full official 2026 programme.

When will the Fiestas del Café 2026 take place?

The complete official programme for the Fiestas del Café 2026 has yet to be confirmed by the Calarcá town council. Traditionally, however, the celebration runs between mid-June and early July, with the main day around the town's anniversary on 29 June.

If you are planning to visit Calarcá during this season, keep an eye on the town council's official channels and on Quindío es Mío, where we will share confirmed dates, events, parades and main activities as they are announced.

Traditional events of the National Coffee Festival

The most representative events include the Reinado Nacional del Café (National Coffee Pageant), the Reinado Popular del Café, the Yipao parade and contest, the Coffee Cultural Landscape parade, craft fairs, concerts, food showcases and folk gatherings.

The Reinado Nacional del Café is one of the most awaited moments. The pageant highlights coffee culture and the candidates' bond with the bean that defines the region. The winner represents Colombia at the International Coffee Pageant held in Manizales.

The Yipao parade: a symbol of Quindío

One of the highlights of the Fiestas del Café is the traditional Yipao parade. Jeep Willys loaded with coffee, farm produce, entire household moves and plenty of popular creativity drive through the streets as a tribute to rural life and to the coffee history of Quindío.

It is one of the most photographed and most anticipated events for visitors and locals alike, because it brings together colour, tradition, music and country memory in a single experience.

A festival to experience the Coffee Cultural Landscape

More than a celebration, the Fiestas del Café are a chance to connect with the identity of Quindío. During these days Calarcá welcomes visitors who come to enjoy its streets, its food, its artistic expressions, its specialty coffees and the warmth of its people.

The festival also brings you close to the role coffee has played in the history, the economy and the culture of the department, right in the heart of the Coffee Cultural Landscape.

Important: there will be no traditional horse parade in 2026

For the 2026 edition, the local administration announced that the traditional horse parade will not be part of the official programme. The decision was made for reasons of safety, traffic, logistics and animal welfare. More controlled alternatives have been proposed for the equestrian sector instead.

Tips for visiting Calarcá during the festival

If you plan to visit Calarcá during the Fiestas del Café 2026, we recommend arriving early, checking the official programme before you travel, using public transport or authorised car parks, staying hydrated, keeping an eye on your belongings and following the instructions of the authorities.

You can also use the trip to visit other nearby attractions in Calarcá and around Quindío, such as specialty coffee shops, local restaurants, rural routes, viewpoints and experiences related to coffee culture.

Experience the Fiestas del Café with Quindío es Mío

At Quindío es Mío we want to help you discover the best of the department. We will be following the official programme of the Fiestas del Café 2026 to share confirmed events, recommendations and nearby plans, so you can enjoy this celebration in an easy, safe and authentic way.