Travel by bus to the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
The San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities are among the most traditional and vibrant cultural celebrations in Colombia. During the last weekend of June, thousands of Colombians take advantage of the long holiday to travel, enjoy concerts, parades, beauty pageants, and folk events — especially in the departments of Huila and Tolima.
If you're planning a trip for this holiday, book your bus tickets with redBus, use the
promo code HORADEVIAJE, and get up to 20% off your first booking. (Terms and conditions apply.)
What are the San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities?
These festivities honor the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul and have evolved into a rich celebration of Colombian folklore. Particularly popular in central regions of the country, these events include folk parades, musical contests, traditional horseback processions, open-air concerts, and beauty pageants highlighting regional culture.
The atmosphere is joyful and family-friendly, filled with music, dancing, local cuisine, and cultural traditions that invite everyone to celebrate.
When are the San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities held?
They take place each year during the last weekend of June, aligned with a national holiday that falls on Monday. It’s one of the most anticipated long weekends in Colombia — perfect for a getaway filled with cultural events.
How to get to the San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities by bus
Traveling by bus is a convenient and affordable way to reach the main destinations of these festivities. From Bogotá, you can travel to:
- Neiva (Huila): the epicenter of the celebration and home of the Bambuco Festival.
- Ibagué (Tolima): host city of the Colombian Folkloric Festival.
- Melgar, Girardot, Fusagasugá, and La Mesa (Cundinamarca): warm-weather destinations perfect for a short break.
- Other towns in Santander, Antioquia, and the Coffee Region also celebrate with unique traditions.
With redBus, you can travel with trusted companies such as Coomotor, Bolivariano, Velotax, Copetran, Rápido Tolima, Taxmeta, and many others. Compare prices, check schedules, and book your ticket online easily.
What to do during the San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities
Each town and city has its own way of celebrating, but here are some highlights from the most popular destinations:
- Enjoy the Bambuco Festival in Neiva: The capital of Huila offers free concerts, the National Bambuco Beauty Pageant, folk parades, traditional horseback processions, and the popular rajaleñas competitions — humorous and musical storytelling unique to the region.
- Experience the Colombian Folkloric Festival in Ibagué: In Tolima’s capital, the festival includes open-air stages, parades, music, and dance competitions that celebrate the country’s diverse folk traditions.
- Attend free concerts and street shows: In cities like Neiva and Ibagué, popular artists perform in public spaces like parks and main avenues. These shows are usually free and draw large crowds of locals and tourists.
- Watch parades and horseback processions: The streets are filled with colorful floats, traditional costumes, dance groups, and horses — a true display of Colombian joy and folklore.
- Taste regional cuisine: These festivals are a perfect opportunity to try dishes like lechona tolimense, asado huilense, tamales, arepas de maíz pelao, and traditional drinks like chicha and guarapo.
Tips for traveling during the San Pedro and San Pablo weekend
🧳 Plan your trip early: the long weekend sees high travel demand.
🎟 Book your bus tickets with redBus and apply the code HORADEVIAJE.
👒 Wear light clothes, bring sunscreen, and be ready to dance.
📸 Take your camera or phone — the parades are colorful and lively.
🎶 Check the local event schedules so you don't miss your favorite shows.
🏨 Book accommodation in advance if you're heading to Neiva or Ibagué.
Buy your bus tickets to the San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities with redBus
Don’t miss this colorful, festive, and deeply rooted Colombian tradition. With redBus, you can book your tickets online quickly and securely from your phone or computer. Compare prices, choose your seat, and get ready to celebrate!
Use promo code HORADEVIAJE and save up to 20% on your first trip!