Easter falls on 28 March 2027, so Holy Week arrives early and right after a public-holiday long weekend. Dates, what to expect on the coast, and why to book now.
In 2027 Holy Week comes early: Easter Sunday is 28 March, so the whole religious calendar shifts to late March and sits right after the San José public holiday. If you want to be in Colombia then, or you have an apartment to rent out, the takeaway is simple: demand arrives in one long block, and it gets decided months ahead.
What are the dates of Semana Santa 2027?
- Sunday 21 March: Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week.
- Monday 22 March: public holiday for San José (19 March moves to the following Monday). This is the first long weekend: Saturday 20, Sunday 21 and Monday 22.
- Thursday 25 and Friday 26 March: Holy Thursday and Good Friday, both national public holidays.
- Sunday 28 March: Easter Sunday.
Notice what that does: a three-day weekend on 20 to 22 March and, three days later, the long Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday stretch. Plenty of Colombians will take the whole week of 22 to 28 March to link them. That is unlike years when Holy Week falls in April and the San José holiday stands on its own.
We confirmed the holiday dates in Colombian 2027 holiday calendars. As always, double-check them once the official calendar is published.
Where does the coast fill up more: Cartagena or Santa Marta?
Both. Holy Week is one of the peak seasons for domestic tourism, and Caribbean beach destinations, led by Cartagena and Santa Marta, tend to be among the most requested. For 2026 the business press reported high projected hotel occupancy for both cities, but we could not find an official final tally, so we are not quoting percentages. What does repeat every year: most travellers are Colombian, arrive by road or on short flights, and book early.
What that changes for you if you travel then:
- Prices: rates go up and many stays ask for a minimum number of nights. Ask before you pay a deposit.
- Beaches: the city beaches in Cartagena and Santa Marta fill from mid-morning. Go early or after 4 p.m.
- Traffic: Saturday 20, Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 are the heaviest road days. If you can, travel a day earlier or later.
- Restaurants and tours: book the most popular tables and boat trips a few days ahead.
Where to see Holy Week processions in Colombia?
If tradition matters more to you than the beach, two places stand out:
- Popayán (Cauca): its Holy Week processions were inscribed by UNESCO in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to UNESCO there are five, from Tuesday to Saturday before Easter, between 8 and 11 p.m., with carved wooden floats mostly dating from the late 18th century and a route of about two kilometres through the town centre.
- Santa Cruz de Mompox (Bolívar): the historic centre is a World Heritage site and Holy Week is central to local life. It is small and a long journey from the coast, so plan well ahead.
We could not confirm times or routes for processions in Cartagena de Indias in 2027 from an official source, so we are not guessing. If you want to see them, check the parish or city programme when it is published, usually a few weeks before.
When should you book for Semana Santa 2027?
Early. There is no fixed rule and timing varies by destination, but in a year when two long weekends sit back to back, the sensible move is to lock in accommodation and flights several months ahead, especially if you need an apartment for a group or family. Peak-season rates usually climb as the date approaches.
One practical point: if you travel with children or older relatives, an apartment with a kitchen and air conditioning gives you room to breathe when restaurants have queues and the heat bites. 77Rentals has apartments in Bocagrande and El Laguito (Cartagena) and in Santa Marta, and you can check open dates before deciding.
Quick questions
Are there alcohol or event restrictions on Holy Thursday and Good Friday?
That depends on the municipality. Some local governments limit alcohol sales or certain shows on those days. We found no national rule for 2027, so ask your host what applies in the city where you are staying.
Is Tayrona National Park open during Holy Week?
Parques Nacionales publishes Tayrona closures each year and we have not found the 2027 dates yet. Check parquesnacionales.gov.co before buying tickets or booking tours.
Should you travel during Holy Week or avoid it?
If price and quiet matter most, avoid it. If you want atmosphere, summer weather and tradition, it is one of the best weeks of the year to be in the country, as long as you book early.
