Ibagué’s 2026 Festival Folclórico draws thousands, police deployment and record tamale sales

The 52nd edition of the Festival Folclórico Colombiano is taking place in Ibagué, Tolima, from late June into early July 2026. The program features parades, concerts, traditional gastronomic fairs and cultural workshops across venues such as Parque Manuel Murillo Toro and the Concha Acústica Garzón y Collazos. More than 2,000 police officers have been deployed to ensure public order during the San Juan and San Pedro celebrations that coincide with the festival.

Organizers anticipate the sale of over 180,000 tamales on June 24, the city’s “Día del Tamal,” providing a significant boost to local producers, merchants and tourism. The event also hosts international delegations of artists and cultural groups, further highlighting Ibagué’s role as the “Capital Musical de Colombia.”