Last updated on December 20, 2023.

Every year for one week, Belén de Umbría celebrates a week of fiestas to commemorate the founding of the town. The fiestas usually take place in November. This year, they were moved a month earlier to October.

Fiesta in Belén de Umbría, Risaralda, Colombia
Fiesta

 

Fiestas in Belén

The main plaza transforms itself into a stage for live music and dancing. Surrounding the plaza are tents for eating and drinking, food stands, games for children, craft sellers, and much more.

Meat from Los Llanos at the fiesta in Belén de Umbría, Risaralda, Colombia
Meat from Los Llanos

The theme of the fiestas is the paisa roots of Belén de Umbría (paisanidad). The town is located in what was originally the department of Antioquia. During the day there are events such as parades with children dressed in traditional Colombian costumes.

Parade at the fiesta in Belén de Umbría, Risaralda, Colombia
Parade

At night, the plaza is jam packed with people. A series of live bands from all over Colombia play on a stage in the center of the plaza. The music is loud and many people are dancing, drinking, and socializing.

 

When to Go

The best nights to go to the fiestas in Belén are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I spent Saturday night at the fiesta with Marisol. We drank aguardiente, danced, and enjoyed the celebration until well after 3AM.

Me and Marisol at the fiesta in Belén de Umbría, Risaralda, Colombia
Me and Marisol
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.