Cartagena de Indias (Colombia) strengthens religious tourism with landmark

Cartagena de Indias (Colombia) strengthens religious tourism with landmark Holy Week

06-05-2026

Cartagena de Indias reinforced its position as one of the leading religious tourism destinations in the Caribbean following the celebration of Holy Week 2026, an edition marked by strong participation, cultural richness, and significant economic impact. As a founding member of the World Religious Tourism Network, the city hosted one of its most comprehensive and meaningful commemorations in recent years, consolidating its spiritual identity as a strategic pillar of its tourism offering.

The program was carried out under the leadership of the Mayor’s Office, Corpoturismo, and the Archdiocese of Cartagena, in a coordinated effort that successfully integrated liturgy with historical heritage, culture, and social initiatives. From the outset, the city presented a proposal that blended tradition with creativity, highlighted by the participation of children from Santa Fe de Antioquia and Cartagena in the Living Stations of the Passion, a representation that added both spiritual depth and aesthetic value to the overall program.

One of the most emblematic moments was the Lucernarium, a procession of light that moved through the Historic Center from the Church of Santo Toribio to Plaza de la Proclamación. Accompanied by a religious music concert, the event created an atmosphere of reflection and solemnity that set the tone for the central celebrations. Palm Sunday introduced a sustainability-focused approach by replacing traditional palm fronds with live plants, reaffirming the city’s environmental commitment while preserving the symbolic meaning of the ritual.

The agenda continued with initiatives of strong social and spiritual impact, such as the “Confesatón” held on Holy Wednesday, which brought together around 800 participants, including both residents and visitors, for the sacrament of reconciliation. This gathering also carried a charitable dimension, incorporating the collection of food donations for the Archdiocese’s food bank.

Holy Thursday stood out for the implementation of the “Passport of Saving Love,” a guide that led visitors through 14 churches located across the Historic Center, Getsemaní, and surrounding tourist areas. The experience was enhanced by the careful decoration of altars, supported by local event professionals, which elevated both the visual and spiritual atmosphere for pilgrims.

On Good Friday, large crowds gathered for the traditional Way of the Cross processions, both during the morning route through the historic streets and the evening “Way of the Cross of the Sorrowful Mother.” During the nights of Holy Week, the city incorporated mapping technology projected onto the façades of emblematic churches, blending innovation with tradition in a visually compelling expression of faith.

The closing of Holy Week was marked by the “Run and Proclaim Your Faith” race, held on Easter Sunday, which brought together 1,500 participants. Beyond its sporting dimension, the event had a strong social impact, raising more than 145 million Colombian pesos to support programs aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations.

The figures recorded during Holy Week 2026 reflect the scale of this mobilization. More than 181,000 passengers passed through Rafael Núñez International Airport, while nearly 98,500 vehicles entered the city. Hotel occupancy reached 69%, with an average stay of six days and peaks of up to 75% during the main days of celebration. Additionally, the main official events attracted more than 21,000 attendees, demonstrating Cartagena’s strong convening power.

Beyond these figures, Cartagena has demonstrated that its religious heritage is a living asset capable of engaging with contemporary tourism trends. The integration of faith, culture, sustainability, and innovation has enabled the city to offer a comprehensive experience that goes beyond spirituality to become a driver of economic and social development.

With these results, the city not only strengthens its position within the World Religious Tourism Network but also projects a model that can be replicated by other destinations. Cartagena de Indias thus consolidates itself as an international benchmark where faith is not only celebrated but also transforms both the tourism experience and the lives of those who visit.

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