If you’re looking for a unique experience during your trip, a Carnival in Colombia is the way to go! The Blacks and Whites’ Carnival in Pasto is a must. This festival, listed as an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO, is a veritable feast for the senses, where Andean traditions, cultural fusion and creativity intertwine in an electrifying atmosphere.
But be warned, attending this carnival is not something you can improvise! Between the paint-spraying, the jubilant crowds and the festivities lasting several days, it’s best to be well prepared. So fasten your seatbelts: we’re taking you to one of the craziest carnivals in Colombia!
A little history: why is Carnival in Colombia so special?
The Blacks and Whites’ Carnival has its origins in the blend of indigenous, African and Spanish cultures that have marked the history of the Nariño region.
Far from the glitz of the Barranquilla Carnival or the Feria de Cali, the Pasto Carnival draws its essence from popular traditions and a sometimes painful past. It all starts with Blacks’ Day, inherited from the old festivals held for African slaves, who were able to dance and celebrate their culture on this day. The following day, Whites’ Day, sees the roles reversed: everyone covers themselves in white flour or talcum powder, a symbol of equality and fraternity.
Today, these rituals have been transformed into a gigantic festival where everyone paints their faces, monumental floats parade through the streets and music blares from every corner.
Carnival: an immersive experience not to be missed
If you’re attending a Carnival in Colombia, get ready for a euphoric crowd and an explosion of colour! Here’s a look at the key moments that make this event so unique:
The Parade of Columns and the official opening (2 January)
It all starts with a colourful procession in which indigenous culture takes centre stage. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the traditional costumes and ancestral Andean dances of the region’s peoples.
Blacks’ Day (5 January): get carried away by the festivities
In the morning, everyone covers their faces in black paint or make-up. Don’t be surprised if strangers colour your face with a big smile: here, no one escapes tradition, it’s Carnival in Colombia! The music blares, the folk groups fill the streets, and the energy is contagious.
Whites’ Day (6 January): a shower of talc and alegría
The next day, it’s a change of scenery: the festival-goers swap black paint for talcum powder and foam. It’s a real battlefield… but all in good fun! It’s also the day of the great float parades, veritable works of art sculpted with incredible precision.
Concerts, dancing and a crazy atmosphere
Throughout Carnival in Colombia, expect traditional music concerts, popular dances and crowds in trance to the rhythm of the ‘carnavalito’. Total immersion guaranteed!
Our tips for making the most of Carnival
Are you ready to dive into this unforgettable celebration? Here are a few recommendations to avoid unpleasant surprises:
✔️ Come dressed for the occasion: forget new clothes! You’ll end up covered in paint, talcum powder and foam. Choose comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
✔️ Don’t forget your safety goggles: your eyes will thank you for all the white flour and foam you’ll be splashing everywhere. They’re easy to find locally.
✔️ Book your accommodation in advance: Pasto fills up very quickly in January. It’s best to book several months in advance if you want to find decent accommodation during Carnival in Colombia.
✔️ Be prepared to be surprised: you can’t just sit back and watch. They’ll paint your face, take your hand to dance, spray you with foam… Accept the game and make the most of the moment!
✔️ Taste the local specialities: between two festivities, try empanadas de pipián, cuy asado (roast guinea pig, a speciality of the region) and chicha, an ancestral fermented drink.
Why not extend your stay in Nariño?
After the hustle and bustle of the Carnival, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Lac de la Cocha, with its island covered in tropical vegetation, is the perfect getaway to catch your breath. And for lovers of mystical sites, the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, clinging to the side of a cliff, is a true architectural masterpiece.
The Black and White Carnival: an experience you should have at least once in your life
Carnival in Colombia is not limited to Barranquilla or Medellín. The Pasto Carnival is a true immersion in the soul of a people, a celebration where history, music and collective enthusiasm come together in joyous chaos.
Whether you’re a fan of tradition, exuberant fiestas or simply curious to discover another facet of Colombia, one thing’s for sure: you won’t return from Pasto without a good dose of colour and lasting memories!
So, who’s ready to let their face be painted and dance to the rhythm of the carnavalito? 🎶💃
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