Colombia is gearing up for one of its most celebrated cultural events: the Barranquilla Carnival. Set to begin on March 1, this new edition of the festival will once again bring Colombian culture into the global spotlight.
Why Does Colombia Celebrate the Barranquilla Carnival?
Recognized as Colombia’s most significant festival, the Barranquilla Carnival invites both locals and visitors to appreciate its rich traditions and the importance of preserving them. Its cultural significance earned it recognition by UNESCO in 2003 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, followed by its designation as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
What is the Barranquilla Carnival?
According to the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, the carnival is the most important folkloric and cultural festival in Colombia. Held annually, it brings together hundreds of artists, celebrating the traditions of La Arenosa, the Colombian Caribbean, and the Magdalena River.
What is the Meaning of Carnival?
Carnival embodies the fusion of cultures that define Colombia as a nation. It serves as a powerful force of social unity, breaking barriers and attracting people from all backgrounds. As the official website states, the festival represents a celebration of diversity, popular art, and the country’s historical roots.
Under the motto “Whoever lives it, enjoys it!”, Barranquilla Carnival remains an integral part of Colombia’s annual cultural agenda. Dating back more than a century, its origins trace to Spanish traditions that evolved upon reaching the Americas. Some historians believe it was inspired by the traditional novena of La Candelaria in Cartagena de Indias.
What is the Importance of Carnival in Colombia?
For Colombians, Barranquilla Carnival is an unmissable event, deeply embedded within the national identity. Beyond its vibrant celebrations, it has helped strengthen community bonds and cultural heritage over generations.
What is the Purpose of the Barranquilla Carnival?
This year’s Carnival Queen, Tatiana Angulo Fernández de Castro, who has already received the keys to the city, emphasizes that the festival is a space of inclusion and unity.
"Our Carnival has always been a place where joy transcends differences, and every soul has its place. We reaffirm that this is a Carnival where respect, love, and freedom dance hand in hand. Long live the Carnival of a thousand colors!" she shared on social media.
