Plaza de Variedades in Cartagena: what it is, past events and what comes next in the Fiestas
A cultural and recreational space in the Parque Espíritu del Manglar, according to El Universal. It hosted the Festival del Patacón from October 9 to 11; the Fiestas program lists October 30.
The Plaza de Variedades Cartagena is a cultural and recreational space with food stalls, a deck and a stage inside the Parque Espíritu del Manglar, near the Centro Histórico (Historic Center), according to El Universal. The second Festival del Patacón took place there from October 9 to 11, and the program of the Independence festivities lists it on Friday, October 30.
What it is and where it is
El Universal places it in the Parque Espíritu del Manglar, near the Cabrero lagoon and the Centro Histórico. According to the paper, it was inaugurated on Friday, February 20, 2026, with the city government and the IPCC (the city's culture institute), and its regular programming runs on Saturdays and Sundays. The sources do not give the size of the site.
Events announced and held
The opening agenda, which El Universal published on February 18, scheduled children's theater, Su Majestad la Cumbia and live music for February 21 and 22.
The most recent one the sources report was the second Festival del Patacón, a food fair built around patacón (fried, flattened green plantain), from October 9 to 11, 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. El Universal's opening report of October 9 announced 16 pataconeros (the cooks who make patacón) competing for the title of Rey del Patacón, and the event had the support of Acodres Cartagena. It is over.
What is listed in the Fiestas agenda
The only event at the plaza listed in the official program of the Independence festivities around November 11, which the Cartagena city government presented and the IPCC published, is the Noche de Tradición Festiva y Traje Artesanal (a night of festive tradition and artisan dress), on Friday, October 30, with Danny Daniel and Héctor Nazza.
The IPCC program does not give a start time for that night. Confirm the day and the time with the IPCC before you go.
Businesses mentioned
- Acodres Cartagena
We list them as a reference for readers; they have not paid to appear here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Plaza de Variedades in Cartagena?
A cultural and recreational space with food stalls, a deck and a stage inside the Parque Espíritu del Manglar, near the Cabrero lagoon and the Centro Histórico, according to El Universal.
When did it open and which days have programming?
According to El Universal, it was inaugurated on Friday, February 20, 2026, with the city government and the IPCC. Regular programming runs on Saturdays and Sundays.
What event did the plaza host in October?
The second Festival del Patacón, from October 9 to 11, 4:00 to 11:00 p.m., with 16 competing pataconeros and the support of Acodres Cartagena, according to El Universal.
When is the Noche de Tradición Festiva y Traje Artesanal?
The IPCC's official program lists it on Friday, October 30, with Danny Daniel and Héctor Nazza. It is the only event at the plaza in that program. It gives no start time; confirm the day and the time with the IPCC.
How much does it cost to attend events at the plaza?
The sources we checked do not state an entry price. Confirm it with the IPCC or each event's organizer.
Sources
Published on October 14, 2026