29/05/2023
Magical Manizales: A Spark of Culture and Color
Manizales is a vibrant city that offers immersive cultural experiences and magical moments for visitors. Discover some of the most important annual events that light up the calendar.
Manizales International Film Festival
After a week full of theater, Manizales gets ready for another celebration of the arts?this time through film. The Manizales International Film Festival, also known as FICMA, takes place from October 27 to November 5.
This year, the 13th edition of the festival embraces the theme "#LoveEverythingMADNESS", promising a variety of films exploring love in all its forms, told through the unique lens of cinema. It's a wonderful platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience. With a wide range of genres and styles, there?s something for every type of viewer.
Beyond screenings, the festival includes talks, workshops, and panel discussions that deepen the understanding of cinema and its impact on society. These complementary activities enhance the overall cinematic experience.
Manizales International Theater Festival
Each year, the city of Manizales?located in the heart of Colombia?s Coffee Region?becomes a vibrant epicenter of theatrical arts. The Manizales International Theater Festival, with its 50-year legacy, is the oldest theater festival in Latin America.
This year, the festival takes place from October 21 to 28 under the direction of Octavio Arbeláez Tobón.
This prestigious event serves as a creative space for local and international artists to share their talents and vision with a welcoming audience. It has become a celebrated hub for artistic exchange, where creativity and innovation are encouraged and applauded.
More than just a stage for performance, the festival is an opportunity to explore the rich culture and beautiful architecture of this charming Colombian city. The festive atmosphere extends beyond the theaters into every corner of Manizales, from its colorful neighborhoods to its lively public squares.

Manizales Festival of Lights ? Year-End Celebration
As the year draws to a close, Manizales lights up in a dazzling display of color and brilliance. The Festival of Lights is a highly anticipated December event that transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of glowing beauty.
The pyro-musical show is one of the festival?s highlights and this year it will be held at Palogrande Stadium.
This spectacular light-and-music performance is a truly magical experience that must be seen to be believed. From local families to international travelers, everyone gathers in the stadium to witness this breathtaking fusion of sound and light. The view of the Manizales night sky illuminated with fireworks is an unforgettable memory.
Beyond the stadium, the streets of Manizales are adorned with creative light decorations. Walking through the city during the festival becomes a visually enchanting experience.
From illuminated parks to entire buildings glowing with holiday lights, the city transforms into a brilliant stage celebrating the joy and beauty of the festive season.

A Calendar Full of Culture and Color
In short, Manizales is a city alive with the vibrant energy of culture and the arts. Whether you're passionate about theater, cinema, or simply admiring the brilliance of a city glowing with thousands of lights, Manizales has something to offer in the second half of the year.
These festivals aren?t just events?they?re immersive cultural experiences that connect visitors with the city?s rich history and artistic spirit.
If you have the chance to visit this wonderful city during this season, don?t miss out on these unforgettable festivals. From being captivated by passionate theater performances and emotionally stirring films to witnessing a sky filled with mesmerizing lights, Manizales guarantees magical moments you?ll want to relive again and again.
Don?t miss your chance to create magical memories in Manizales. Stay at Hotel Benidorm and be part of the experience.