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In January, the Caimán Cienaguero Festival (Festival Nacional del Caimán Cienaguero) is celebrated in the municipality of Ciénaga, one of the most representative festivities of the department of Magdalena and the entire Colombian Caribbean coast.
The festival originates from a local legend in Ciénaga, according to which, in the late 19th century, Tomasita, the daughter of a fishing family, was devoured by a caiman. In response, the inhabitants of Puebloviejo avenged her by killing the animal, which was then carried back to the fishermen’s house on a platform.
To commemorate this procession with the caiman, the main event of the festival is a large parade of dance troupes, where the people of Ciénaga march in elaborate caiman costumes, chanting "el caimán se la llevó, el caimán se la comió" (the caiman took her away, the caiman ate her), a traditional song of these festivities.
The pageant is another festival highlight, where the Queen of the Festival is chosen among the young women of the municipality, representing the beauty and festive spirit of Ciénaga.
In addition to cultural events, the festival includes concerts, food exhibitions, and sports events, attracting both locals and tourists. The Caimán Cienaguero Festival (Festival Nacional del Caimán Cienaguero) enriches the cultural heritage of the region.
