Hay Festival Cartagena

About

The Hay Festival Cartagena transforms Colombia's stunning colonial city into a vibrant celebration of literature, ideas, and storytelling each January-February. This internationally renowned festival offers dedicated children's programming with interactive storytelling sessions, author meet-and-greets, and creative workshops—all set within the magical backdrop of Cartagena's historic plazas and heritage buildings. It's a unique opportunity to immerse your family in a multilingual cultural experience while exploring one of South America's most enchanting destinations.

What to Expect

Families can expect a mix of indoor and outdoor literary events spread across Cartagena's historic walled city, with many sessions held in beautiful colonial courtyards and gardens. The festival features a robust children's program (Hay Festivalito) with bilingual storytelling, illustration workshops, puppet shows, and interactive performances designed to engage young minds. The atmosphere is festive yet intellectual, with families strolling between venues, street performers adding entertainment, and the Caribbean sea breeze creating a relaxed, welcoming environment for kids to discover new stories and ideas.

Highlights for Kids

• Interactive storytelling sessions with renowned children's authors from across Latin America and internationally
• Hands-on illustration and comic book workshops where kids create their own stories
• Meeting favorite authors and getting books signed in intimate, accessible settings
• Exploring the magical venues themselves—colonial courtyards, gardens, and the historic Palacio de la Inquisición
• Free outdoor performances and street activities that create a carnival-like atmosphere throughout the walled city

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book accommodations well in advance as Cartagena fills up during festival dates; staying within the walled city puts you walking distance from most venues
2. Download the festival app or check the schedule online beforehand to pre-select kid-friendly sessions, as some require advance registration and fill up quickly
3. Bring sun protection (hats, sunscreen) and water bottles—many events are outdoors in Caribbean heat, though sessions are typically scheduled during cooler morning and late afternoon hours
4. Many sessions are in Spanish with some in English; check language details when booking, though storytelling and illustration workshops often transcend language barriers for younger children

Best Time to Visit

Morning sessions (9am-12pm) work best for younger children when energy levels are high and temperatures are cooler. Late afternoon events (4pm onwards) offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and allow time for beach or pool breaks mid-day. For multi-day attendance, weekends typically feature more family-oriented programming, while weekdays offer a quieter, less crowded experience.

Food & Drinks

Food vendors and small cafés operate throughout the festival venues, offering Colombian snacks like arepas, empanadas, and fresh tropical fruit—most kid-friendly and easy to eat on the go. The historic center has numerous restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, with many offering children's menus. Bring reusable water bottles as Cartagena's heat requires constant hydration; bottled water is available but can add up. Many families pack light snacks, though authentic Colombian treats make for a fun culinary adventure kids will remember.

Parking & Access

The historic walled city is largely pedestrian-only, so taxis or rideshare apps (like Uber or local InDriver) are the best way to reach festival venues from outside accommodations. If staying within the old city, everything is walkable, though cobblestone streets can be challenging for strollers—consider baby carriers for younger children. Some heritage venues have limited accessibility due to historic architecture, though most main events are stroller-accessible. Arrive 15-20 minutes early for popular sessions as seating can be limited.