Cali calls itself the salsa capital of the world, and for six days at the end of December it sets out to prove it. The Feria de Cali is the city's biggest party: a parade of thousands of dancers, concerts until dawn, vintage cars, record collectors, and every neighbourhood dancing in the street between Christmas and New Year.
When is the Feria de Cali 2026?#
December 25–30, 2026. It opens on Christmas Day with the Salsódromo and ends on the 30th, the day before New Year's Eve. The organiser, Corfecali, publishes the programme of each day and sells tickets for the paid events.
The events worth seeing#
- The Salsódromo (opening day). The signature event: thousands of dancers from Cali's salsa schools in sequins and feathers, dancing a route of several kilometres, with orchestras playing live on floats. The stands are ticketed; buy early.
- The Superconcierto. The big concert of the Feria, with salsa and other Latin stars on one bill.
- The classic and antique car parade. Hundreds of restored cars, many from the 1940s and 50s, driven through the city.
- The Encuentro de Melómanos y Coleccionistas. Collectors bring their rare salsa records and play them for the crowd. If you love old salsa, this is the heart of the Feria.
- Cali Viejo. A carnival of the city's history, with costumes, characters and old Cali music.
- The verbenas. Free neighbourhood street parties, with sound systems, food and everybody dancing. This is where the city really is.
Where the city dances#
The salsatecas fill up every night of the Feria. Some are institutions where old salsa is played from vinyl; others are big clubs for dancing until morning. Ask someone local which one suits you: a salsateca for watching and one for dancing are different nights.
How to do the Feria right#
- Book your room early. Christmas, the Feria and New Year come one after the other. It's peak season.
- Take a salsa class or two first. Cali's schools run short classes for visitors. It makes the verbenas much more fun.
- Carry little. Crowds bring pickpockets: a front pocket for your phone, a copy of your ID, cash for the day.
- Get around with ride apps or registered taxis at night.
- Pace yourself. The Feria goes until dawn six nights in a row, and New Year's Eve comes straight after.
| When | Dec 25–30, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Opening | The Salsódromo, Dec 25 |
| Free | Verbenas, many street events |
| Ticketed | Salsódromo stands, Superconcierto and other big events |
| Programme | Published by Corfecali |
More on the city's music: Cali, salsa capital of the world. Before you go: is Cali safe in 2026. The rest of the year's festivals in the region: the best festivals in Latin America.
Dance it with someone from Cali#
The Feria is best with someone who grew up dancing it: the verbena in their neighbourhood, the salsateca their parents went to, the record collector worth listening to. Local Friends in Cali are locals you message directly on Roavi. How to meet locals in Cali. More about the city: the Cali city guide.
Dance the Feria with someone who grew up in Cali.
Meet Local Friends in CaliEvery big festival and holiday worldwide, month by month, with the dates: the Roavi world events calendar.
Still weighing the safety question? Is Colombia safe covers what locals actually say, city by city.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Feria de Cali 2026?
December 25–30, 2026. It opens on the 25th with the Salsódromo parade and runs to the 30th, the day before New Year's Eve. The organiser, Corfecali, publishes the programme of each day.What is the Salsódromo?
The opening parade of the Feria: thousands of dancers from Cali's salsa schools, in sequinned costumes, dancing a route of several kilometres with live orchestras on floats. Seats in the stands are sold as tickets.Is the Feria de Cali free?
Much of it is. The neighbourhood verbenas and many street events are free. The Salsódromo stands, the Superconcierto and some other big events are ticketed.Is Cali safe during the Feria?
Crowds bring pickpockets. Carry little, keep your phone in a front pocket, use registered taxis or ride apps at night and go out with someone who knows the city. Our full guide: is Cali safe in 2026.Do I need to know how to dance salsa?
No, but it helps to try. Cali's dance schools run short classes for visitors, and a lesson or two before the Feria makes the verbenas much more fun.
