In the streets of the city, the atmosphere of the Barranquilla carnival is easily perceptible. Thousands of people gather along the street to see the most colorful carnival in the world begin. This is how the battle of flowers begins. Take your place on a “balcony” as if it were a play or along the street next to the Barranquilleros to watch the spectacle that is offered to you. Dozens of amply decorated floats will parade before your eyes with: singers, musical instruments, actors, traditional characters with hairstyles, costumes and masks, beauty queens, in short, with 1000 representations of Colombian culture. Closely followed by groups of dancers moving to the rhythm of the traditional music of this city with mixed origins. The rhythm and happiness of this 4-day festival will take hold of you. You will be a spectator and actor of an overflow of colorful and captivating rumba.
The proof in pictures:
Curramba la bella and the Barranquilla Carnival
Located in the north of Colombia on the Caribbean coast, Barranquilla is one of the most important economic and commercial centers of Colombia. Known as “Curramba la bella”, it is a place of convergence of different cultures: Amerindian, Spanish and African peoples. This fusion is at the origin of the Barranquilla Carnival which is reflected in dances such as: el mico, la cumbia, la puya, el porro and musical instruments such as drums and wind instruments. Politics and current events in general are mocked in the multiple performances and very elaborate floats, which gives the festival a burlesque character.
The most important folk festival in Colombia, it was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The Barranquilla Carnival is the 3rd largest in the world after the Rio and Venice Carnivals.
It takes place every year, usually during the month of February. The dates of the Barranquilla Carnival for the next few years are:
- 2017: February 25-28
- 2018: February 10-13
- 2019: March 2-5
- 2020: February 22-25
In the evening, parties and concerts throughout the city keep the party going.
Our tips for the Barranquilla Carnival
- Know the vocabulary: Garabato, los Gallinazos, El Torito, El Congo are traditional dances of the Barranquilla Carnival. Monocuco, Marimonda, María Moñito and Joselito Carnaval are typical characters of this folk festival. Finally, the Chandé, the pulla and the fandando are tropical rhythms.
- Learn the culture: Los Barranquilleros are peaceful people, full of freshness and joy of life and who love to laugh. If you are a man, a strange woman, badly dressed, mustachioed, hairy legs, huge breasts and a doll in her arms may approach you to claim paternity of her “baby”. Of course, you have no idea what she is talking about. The “mother” in question is a person (usually a man) who is looking to make a little money with a funny and burlesque show. She (He) finds the people who seem the strictest and most rigid. But her favorite target is people who don’t seem to be from around here! Our advice: laugh, give her (him) a kiss and of course, take a picture with her (him).
- Use disguises: The Barranquilla Carnival is also characterized by the ease of wearing costumes. We can become someone else for a few days without much effort. Anything goes to disguise yourself: ripped jeans, face paint or with sequins, wearing masks, very colorful clothes, it’s up to you!
- Make the most of it: If a stranger asks you to dance, well dance with him, no one will judge you! This is how the Barranquilleros welcome you to the carnival and integrate you into this party. Tolerance is very important, everyone is there to have fun. Finally, prices during the carnival are increased, so don’t hesitate to haggle, it is recommended!
Porque quien lo vive es quien lo goza! Carnival slogan which translates to: “because he who lives it is the one who enjoys it”.
It is a spectacle to see, at least once in your life!
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