The Colombian community will come together in early 2026 for authentic Colombian dancing presentations, cultural enrichment and elaborate costumes to celebrate the “Carnaval de Barranquilla” — not only in the coastal city of Barranquilla, Colombia, but also right here in the Tampa Bay area.

This festival is organized by a non-profit called the Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla, which brings Colombia’s world-famous cultural festival to Tampa each year. This local organization has strong ties to the original Barranquilla festival through Tampa’s Sister Cities program.

The main event will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, at a Colombian venue called Casa 21 in Tampa, starting at 5 p.m. The queen and the king of the Carnaval will be crowned. Both a Colombian singer from Barranquilla, Paula Sophia, and a Colombian DJ from Barranquilla will be featured.

A $20 donation is requested via online registration ahead of time; a $25 donation at the door. Money raised will go to support local Colombian cultural enrichment as well as five different nonprofits in Barranquilla, Colombia, including charities that provide poor children with shoes, clothes and school supplies.

Complementing the “Carnaval” show and fundraiser, the Casa 21 venue will sell food and drinks — separate from the donations that go to the charities. Casa 21 is located at 4235 W. Waters Ave. in Tampa.

A second event, which will be a smaller celebration outdoors with approximately 200 people who appreciate Colombian culture, will be on Jan. 30 at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor.

An enduring legacy

Patsy Morlando, the founder, organizer and leader of Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla, said, “We are keeping the spirit of Colombia’s famous carnival alive and well in Florida and doing it for a good cause, while giving the large Colombian community in the Tampa Bay area an opportunity to engage in the genuine Colombian culture and tradition we all love with our Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla. It’s an exciting way to heat up January in Tampa.”

Morlando is a Colombian-born resident of Safety Harbor. One of her goals is to spread happiness.

“I am so excited about how our Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla brings so much happiness into people’s lives. It’s an uplifting event that is majestic, colorful and vibrant. Truly, Jan. 17th is going to be a night to remember at the Colombian bar and grill Casa 21,” she said.

If imitation is the best form of flattery, then Morlando’s event has been highly celebrated. As successful as Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla has been for over two decades, imitators have popped up to try to steal the thunder and latch into the passion that the local Colombian community has for the Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, and one of the biggest carnivals in the world.

However, those imitators have, for the most part, dwindled away or never reached the status of Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla. This reflects the enduring legacy of what Morlando built from scratch. She is now widely recognized for her dedication and leadership in establishing the event locally, spanning from Safety Harbor to the heart of Tampa.

“Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla is the original and most authentic display of the beloved Colombian festival. We have been serving the Tampa Bay area for over 25 years,” said Morlando.

“We’re excited to do it in 2026. You don’t have to be Colombian to experience the joy of the Carnaval de Barranquilla. Everyone is invited, whether you are Colombian or not. We’re inclusive. We love to share the happiness. Come experience the best of Colombia right here in Tampa. Don’t stay home. Be happy.”