Guatapé's flagship Fiestas de los Zócalos, el Turismo y el Embalse gets most of the outside attention — deservedly, it's a major event — but the town's calendar has more going on than that single festival.
Fiestas de los Zócalos, el Turismo y el Embalse
The town's largest annual celebration, typically held over roughly nine days in late September or early October, combines concerts, a half-marathon, a three-cushion billiards tournament, cultural showcases, and civic anniversary events marking the town's founding — reaching its 22nd edition in 2025.
Zócalos y Flores, Silletas y Colores
A separate, smaller July celebration specifically honoring the zócalo tradition alongside Antioquia's silletero (flower-carrier) culture — recent editions have included parades with dozens of silleteros and community painting initiatives refreshing zócalos in specific neighborhoods.
Religious observances
As with most Antioquian towns, the local parish — Nuestra Señora del Carmen — anchors religious observances tied to its patron, with the Virgen del Carmen widely venerated across Latin America as protector of travelers and drivers, a fitting patron for a town built around a reservoir and boat traffic.
Why this fuller picture matters
Guatapé's community calendar is considerably richer than the single festival most tourism content references — worth knowing if you're trying to time a visit around genuine local culture rather than just the best-known event.