Fiestas de Independencia: Cartagena, Colombia (1-16 November)
Cartagena de Indias celebrates the 215th anniversary of its declaration of independence on 11 November 1811 with several weeks of popular festivities. The programme begins with Ángeles Somos, a tradition led by children, before the official commemorations and the Grand Independence Parade, with nearly 10,000 artists, dancers and musicians expected to take part on 12 November along Avenida Santander.
On 13 and 14 November, the Festival Náutico de la Independencia and Bololó del Arsenal will feature artists including Juan Luis Guerra, Grupo Niche, Beéle, Ryan Castro, Nicky Jam and Silvestre Dangond. TheCabildo de Getsemaní and the crowning of the popular queen are also among the highlights on 15 November. A celebration that offers another way to experience Cartagena through its history, neighbourhoods, music and popular traditions.
The 50 Best Restaurants 2026: Lima, Peru (2-4 November)
For the first time in its history, the global The 50 Best Restaurants ceremony will be held in Latin America. Lima will welcome around 1,200 figures from the international gastronomy scene for three days of meetings, conferences and culinary events, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 4 November at the Teatro Municipal.
The programme includes 50 Best Talks and Signature Sessions, bringing together international chefs and Peruvian talent for gastronomic collaborations. Lima was chosen after Maido was named the world’s best restaurant in 2025, two years after Central. It is another recognition for Peruvian gastronomy, with the capital now firmly established among the most prominent destinations on the international culinary scene.
Watch the ceremony live on 04/11/2026
Festival Internacional de Cine de Mar del Plata: Mar del Plata, Argentina (5-15 November)
The famous Argentine seaside resort hosts the 41st edition of the Festival Internacional de Cine de Mar del Plata, the only Latin American festival to hold Category A status from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
Nearly 150 feature films and short films will be screened across ten venues, with international, Latin American and Argentine competitions. The programme also includes tributes, retrospectives and meetings with film crews. Held since 1954, the festival attracts filmmakers, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts to Argentina’s Atlantic coast every year.
São Paulo Formula 1 Grand Prix: São Paulo, Brazil (6-8 November)
Formula 1 returns to Interlagos for the São Paulo Grand Prix, one of the historic rounds of the World Championship. Practice begins on 6 November, qualifying takes place on 7 November and the race will be held on Sunday 8 November.
Officially known as the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos has hosted Formula 1 since 1973. Its 4.309-kilometre circuit, covered over 71 laps, is known for its elevation changes and often closely fought races. For three days, São Paulo becomes one of the world capitals of motorsport, bringing together fans from Brazil and abroad.
Abierto Argentino de Polo: Buenos Aires, Argentina (10 November-12 December)
The 133rd Abierto Argentino de Polo takes place at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Buenos Aires’ Palermo neighbourhood. Considered the most prestigious competition in the sport, it is the final stage of Argentina’s Triple Crown, after the Hurlingham and Tortugas tournaments.
The world’s leading polo teams will compete for several weeks on the fields of the “Catedral del Polo”, with the final scheduled for 12 December. For visitors, it is an opportunity to watch polo at the highest level in a city where the sport holds an important place in the country’s sporting tradition.
Festuris Gramado: Gramado, Brazil (12-15 November)
Gramado, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, hosts the 38th edition of Festuris, one of Latin America’s leading tourism trade shows. Held at Serra Park, the event brings together destinations, tour operators, hoteliers and tourism companies for business meetings, conferences and new product presentations.
The 2026 edition will notably spotlight the Brazilian state of Paraíba and will welcome Japan to its Luxury space for the first time. The trade show also includes areas dedicated to innovation, technology, sustainability and different segments of the tourism market.
Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara: Guadalajara, Mexico (28 November-6 December)
The Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL) celebrates its 40th edition at Expo Guadalajara. Considered the largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world, it will bring together more than 900 authors and publishing professionals, with Italy as guest of honour.
More than 3,000 activities have been announced, including book presentations, conferences, debates, literary encounters, concerts and performances. Authors expected to attend include Salman Rushdie, Siri Hustvedt and Alessandro Baricco. Open to publishing professionals as well as the general public, FIL is also one of Guadalajara’s major cultural events, with a programme extending to several venues across the city.
Photos: Alcaldia de Cartagena de Indias | GPDestinations
