Carnival is a worldwide celebration that has been around for centuries and is celebrated at different times throughout the year. In Barranquilla, Colombia, Carnival is a unique and vibrant event that takes place annually, with a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. The Barranquilla Carnival is recognized as one of the biggest and most colorful celebrations in the world, and it is a spectacle filled with music, dance, costumes, and folklore.
The Carnival in Barranquilla is a mix of African, European, and Indigenous traditions and is rooted in Colombia’s history and culture. The Carnival usually takes place in February or March, four days before Ash Wednesday. It is a time of year when the people of Barranquilla put on their best costumes, decorative masks, and prepare to take to the streets for a four-day-long celebration.
The Carnival in Barranquilla starts on a Saturday and lasts for four days. The first day, known as La Batalla de Flores (The Battle of Flowers), is a grand parade where participants carry ornate and colorful floats with flowers and costumes inspired by the region’s traditions. The parade is a celebration of beauty and love, and it features music from various groups, as well as dancers, singers, and artists. The parade’s highlight is an elected “queen” who is adorned with a luxurious costume and represents the city’s Carnival festivities.
On the second day, la Gran Parada (The Great Parade) takes place. This parade is more of a cultural event and showcases some of the city’s unique folklore, including the Paloteo, a dance ritual that celebrates the region’s African heritage. The parade also features groups of musicians known as comparsas, who perform traditional music and dance in colorful outfits designed in the various themes of each comparsa.
The third day is known as El Garabato (The Rattle), and it features the Marimondas, a group of festival-goers dressed in bright and beautifully decorated costumes that have a long-established origin in Barranquilla’s folklore.
The final day of the Barranquilla Carnival is known as El Entierro de Joselito (The Burial of Joselito), and it marks the end of the four-day-long celebration. The tradition of El Entierro commemorates the end of Carnival and the return to normal life as the people of Barranquilla bid farewell to Joselito, a fictional character who represents the Carnival spirit.
In addition to the parades and the dance rituals, the Carnival in Barranquilla is a time for people to come together, socialize, and enjoy traditional foods and drinks. One of the favorite festival foods is the fried arepa, a traditional corn bread that is stuffed with cheese or meat, and washed down with a refreshing drink called la lulada, which is made from an exotic fruit called lulo.
In conclusion, the Barranquilla Carnival is an extraordinary event that demonstrates the cultural diversity and richness of Colombia. It is a proud showcase of the African, European, and Indigenous traditions that have shaped the country’s history and identity. By celebrating with colorful costumes, dance, music, and folklore, the people of Barranquilla keep the Carnival tradition alive and make it a must-see event for locals and tourists alike.