Cuadrillas de San Martin

Cuadrillas de San Martín

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Sports & AdventureSan Martin
DatesDates TBA · Usually NovemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceFew equestrian traditions anywhere combine
Language["es"]Currency: COP
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Cuadrillas de San Martin in San Martin

Rooted in indigenous Achagua rites and formalised around 1735 by Father Gabino de Balboa, San Martin's Cuadrillas stage ten mounted games - two protocol acts, four of peace and four of war - performed by four twelve-rider teams: Galanes, Moros, Guahibos and Cachaceros. Held each year on the second Sunday of November, the tradition was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2011.

San Martin de los Llanos, founded in 1536 and among Colombia's oldest municipalities, traces its signature tradition to games performed by indigenous ancestors of the Achagua nation, held every twelve full moons in honour of their divinities as a rite of communal brotherhood.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few equestrian traditions anywhere combine documented indigenous origins with a formal eighteenth-century codification and a still-intact four-team, ten-game structure performed today largely as it was outlined around 1735

02

The mystery stays covered

The games function as staged historical theatre on horseback, re-enacting old territorial disputes through choreographed peace and war games rather than simply showcasing riding skill for its own sake

03

The city starts moving

Nearly three centuries of continuous observance, formally recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, gives the Cuadrillas a documented historical depth uncommon among Colombia's equestrian festivals

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Four twelve-rider teams - Galanes

Water and renewal

Living ritual

Guahibos and Cachaceros - perform ten mounted games

The sacred route

Living ritual

two protocol acts plus four games of peace and four of war

The local code

Living ritual

re-enacting historical territorial disputes in a format Father Gabino de Balboa is credited with codifying around 1735

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually November

Getting around

For Cuadrillas de San Martin, plan transport around the exact San Martin venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing suits Meta department's warm plains climate; sun protection matters given extended outdoor viewing in direct sun. No formal dress is expected, even for the more...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Cuadrillas de San Martin, stay near the part of San Martin you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["es"] · COP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map3.70 N, 73.70 WOpen in Google Maps

San Martin, Meta, Colombia

Nearest airportBOG — El Dorado
TransportFor Cuadrillas de San Martin, plan transport around the exact San Martin venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Cuadrillas de San Martin, stay near the part of San Martin you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to San Martin via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near San Martin, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable clothing suits Meta department's warm plains climate; sun protection matters given extended outdoor viewing in direct sun. No formal dress is expected, even for the more ceremonial protocol acts.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Colombia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Cuadrillas de San Martin?

Cuadrillas de San Martin is listed for November. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Cuadrillas de San Martin take place?

The festival is listed in San Martin, Colombia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

San Martin, Meta, Colombia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLpatrimonio.mincultura.gov.co
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually November
Source statusOfficial source linked
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