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THE STORY OF THE CARNIVAL OF BARRANQUILLA:
A symphony of joy.
The Colombian city of Barranquilla, bursts with a vibrant energy that reaches its peak during its legendary carnival. This four-day celebration, a spectacular explosion of color, music, and dance, is considered the second largest carnival in the world in size and spectacle after Rio de Janeiro’s carnival. Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003, its celebration extends back to the late 19th century. This joyous event showcases the city’s rich cultural mix and lively spirit. During Carnival, the ordinary world fades away as Barranquilleros and global visitors alike are caught in the captivating rhythms of the festival.
THE HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL: A melting pot of traditions.
The origins of the Barranquilla carnival are as diverse and layered as the city itself. While its formal recognition dates to the late 19th century, the roots stretch much further back, reflecting a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures. The celebration is believed to have evolved from pre-Lenten festivals, where enslaved Africans, Indigenous communities, and Spanish colonizers had a unique opportunity to express their cultures.
Initially, the carnival was a spontaneous burst of informal gatherings and street dances. As Barranquilla expanded, so did the festival's arrangement. By the late 19th century, organized committees began to structure the event, solidifying traditions that persist today. The carnival's unique character emerged from a vibrant blend: the Spanish 'fiestas de toros' (bullfights) and masquerades, the energetic rhythms and dances of African heritage, and the symbolic rituals of Indigenous communities.
Barranquilla, Colombia's 'Golden Gate' and the country's first port city since 1936, significantly shaped its Carnival. The city's status as a gateway for progress brought a constant flow of diverse cultures, enriching the festival with new music, dance, and costume styles. This cultural fusion transformed the carnival into a powerful symbol of Barranquilla's identity, a celebration of its multicultural heritage, and a moment of collective release before Lent's observance.
THE KEY MOMENTS OF THE CARNIVAL: A four-day extravaganza.
The carnival of Barranquilla, a meticulously planned spectacle with months of preparation involving dance rehearsals, costume crafting, and musical composition, is celebrated annually between the Saturday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, typically in February or early March.
1- THE ELECTION OF THE CARNIVAL QUEEN: Months before carnival, typically between July and August, Barranquilla eagerly anticipates the election of its Queen, a celebration of cultural heritage, not just beauty. Candidates demonstrate their dance skills, carnival knowledge, and captivating charisma before large crowds. The elected Queen, publicly crowned during carnival, embodies the festive spirit, leading parades and proudly representing the city.
2- THE READING OF THE PROCLAMATION (LECTURA DEL BANDO): The carnival Queen reads the official proclamation, declaring the start of the festivities and ordering everyone to enjoy themselves. This event sets the tone for the celebration to come.
3- THE BATTLE OF FLOWERS (BATALLA DE FLORES): This is the carnival’s most iconic event, a vibrant parade featuring elaborately decorated vehicles, dance performers, and the carnival Queen. The streets come alive with a display of colors, music, and dance, as participants shower the crowds with flowers.
4- THE GRAND PARADE (GRAN PARADA DE TRADICIÓN): This day is a powerful tribute to the carnival's origins, where dances like the cumbia, mapalé, and garabato resonate through the streets. Dance groups and musicians, filled with passion and pride, showcase the region's rich cultural heritage.
5- THE ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL (FESTIVAL DE ORQUESTAS): This event features live music performances by some of the region's most popular orchestras, playing a variety of genres, from salsa and vallenato to cumbia and champeta. The music keeps the energy high and the crowds dancing late into the night.
6- JOSELITO CARNAVAL'S BURIAL (ENTIERRO DE JOSELITO CARNAVAL): The carnival ends with the symbolic burial of Joselito Carnaval, the personification of the celebration. Participants, playfully dressed as widows, dramatically grieve his "death", marking the bittersweet end of the festivities, as the city prepares to transition back to its everyday life.
SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL COSTUMES AND CHARACTERS: A visual extravaganza.
The carnival of Barranquilla is a visual spectacle, with elaborate costumes and masks that reflect the region's cultural legacy. These costumes are not just decorative; they are essential to the carnival's storytelling, representing characters and narratives that have been passed down through generations.
1- THE MARIMONDA: Perhaps the most iconic costume, the Marimonda satirizes the power and opulence of high society. A mix of an elephant and a primate, it is a mischievous character with oversized pants, a colorful jacket, and a mask with a long, drooping nose. It's a symbol of the carnival's playful spirit and cultural resistance.
2- THE CONGO: Celebrating the carnival's African heritage, the Congo costume features dancers with tall, floral headdresses, colorful outfits, and white facial makeup. This 130-year-old dance is a powerful expression of African traditions.
3- ANIMAL CHARACTERS: Many animal characters parade through the carnival, including jaguars, caimans, tigers, monkeys, goats, donkeys, and bulls, among others. These animal costumes often represent mythical creatures or symbolize the connection between humans and nature. The bull has become one of the most relevant animal representations of the festivities, signifying strength, hard work, and resilience.
4- GARABATO: A symbolic clash between life and death takes place in the Garabato dance. The dancer, armed with a garabato (a stick with ribbons), confronts a figure embodying death.
Each costume narrates a tale, weaving together the history, beliefs, and values of Barranquilla's people. The delicate details and vibrant colors of these costumes highlight the immense skill and creativity of the local artisans.
Barranquilla's carnival is more than a show; it's a profound immersion into the core of Colombian culture. It's a dynamic, breathing portrayal of history, music, and dance, an affirmation of the resilient spirit of its people. This is not a story to be simply observed, but an experience to be embraced. We invite you to witness this colorful event personally, to surrender to the rhythms of the cumbia, to be amazed by the variety of costumes, and to feel the contagious joy that fills the atmosphere. Visit Barranquilla, and let the carnival spark your spirit, creating memories that will remain long after the music ends. This is your invitation to engage in a celebration of a lifetime.
For those who would love to have a piece of this vibrant celebration, ARTESANY collaborates with local artisans to craft unique and artisanal items inspired by the Carnival. ARTESANY’s dedication to working with these local artisans ensures that these traditional crafts are not only preserved but also actively celebrated.
MORE THAN A PARADE: The dance groups' devotion.
The carnival of Barranquilla is a moving display of cultural diversity, with over 200 dance groups showcasing unique costumes and choreographies. Some groups rehearse year-round, dedicating themselves to preserving and evolving these traditional expressions, making the carnival a living, animated museum of Colombian folklore.
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