Independence of Cartagena in Colombia
Colombia’s Independence of Cartagena holiday commemorates the city’s 1811 declaration of independence from the Spanish Crown. It is a nationwide paid public holiday, with the date’s day off moved to the following Monday when November 11 does not fall on a Monday.[1][2]
A declaration in Cartagena
On November 11, 1811, Cartagena’s independence movement pressed the city’s governing Junta to declare independence from the Spanish Crown. The Gutiérrez de Piñeres brothers helped lead the gathering in Getsemaní. Their proposal also called for three branches of government, Creoles to hold public and military posts, and the abolition of the Inquisition.[2]
The declaration was an important step in the independence movement in New Granada, the territory that preceded modern Colombia. Cartagena’s struggle also involved finding ways to fund the cause: the Banco de la República’s cultural encyclopedia records that the city sought loans from merchants and religious communities and issued early independent coinage and banknotes.[2]
A national day off
Law 51 of 1983 includes November 11 among Colombia’s civil and religious holidays. It gives workers in both the public and private sectors the right to paid rest on the listed holidays. The law also says the November 11 day of rest moves to the following Monday if the date does not fall on a Monday, including when it falls on a Sunday.[1]
This is a national holiday, though the most prominent local celebrations are associated with Cartagena. The law sets the paid-rest entitlement and Monday transfer; it does not specify whether individual shops, banks, schools, or tourist attractions open, so travelers should check directly with them.[1][3]
How people observe it in Cartagena
Cartagena’s Fiestas de Independencia combine historical commemoration with public cultural events. The city’s cultural institute describes the festivities as a historic, carnival-like celebration and identifies the Reinado Popular as a significant part of the city’s festive identity. The contest involves representatives chosen by neighborhoods and rural districts, linking the celebration with local participation.[3]
The Independence parade, known as the Desfile de Independencia, is described by the institute as a central event. Its call for participants names dance groups, folk groups, comparsas, and individual or group costumes among the forms of participation. The institute also connects the festivities with safeguarding Cartagena’s traditions and cultural memory.[4]
What visitors should expect
The celebration is rooted in Cartagena’s civic and cultural life, while the paid day off applies across Colombia under national law. Official sources describe public festivities in Cartagena, but do not establish a fixed programme that applies every year. Check the city’s announcements for event details, and confirm opening hours with any office, attraction, bank, or business you plan to visit.[1][3][4]
The law grants workers paid rest, but that does not by itself establish that every service closes. It also provides the Monday transfer rule for the statutory day of rest.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Independence of Cartagena a day off throughout Colombia?
Yes. Law 51 of 1983 includes November 11 among the holidays for which public- and private-sector workers have a right to paid rest.[1]
When is the holiday observed?
The date commemorated is November 11. If that date is not a Monday, the law moves the paid day of rest to the following Monday, even when November 11 falls on a Sunday.[1]
What is open on the holiday?
The law establishes workers’ paid rest but does not set opening hours for shops, banks, schools, or attractions. Check with each organization before you go.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence of Cartagena in Colombia:
- Ley 51 de 1983 - Gestor Normativo - Función Pública- Departamento Administrativo de la Función Pública
- Financiación de la independencia- La Red Cultural del Banco de la República
- Convocatoria para la selección de las candidatas al Reinado Popular de las Fiestas de la Independencia del 11 de Noviembre de Cartagena de Indias 2026 fase 1- Instituto de Patrimonio y Cultura de Cartagena de Indias
- CONVOCATORIA “ÚNETE A LA FIESTA” INVITACIÓN A PARTICIPAR DEL PROCESO DE ACREDITACIÓN PARA COMPARSAS, AGRUPACIONES DE DANZA, DISFRACES INDIVIDUALES O COLECTIVOS, QUE PRETENDAN PARTICIPAR, SIN ASIGNACIÓN DE RECURSOS, EN EL DESFILE DE INDEPENDENCIA 2026- Instituto de Patrimonio y Cultura de Cartagena de Indias