Barranquilla Tourism | Facts About Barranquilla Carnival

If you want to see the vibrancy and richness of Latin American culture up close and personal, taking part in their festivals is the best way to do it. Among these celebrations is the Carnaval de Barranquilla (Barranquilla Carnival), the second biggest carnival in the world next to Rio de Janeiro’s Rio Carnival. This famous festival is a celebration of everything that means to be a Colombian, with dancing, music, and parades that turn its streets into a vibrant pathway of colors and fun.

Barranquilla may not have the glitz and glamor of other Colombian cities, but it turns into a place of bursting colors and cultural experiences during the four-day annual celebration. Like Rio de Janeiro, this is a celebration not to be missed. Thus, here’s everything you need to know about Barranquilla Carnival:

• A mixture of heritage
  Although Barranquilla Carnaval is traditionally celebrated under Christian traditions, the festive spirit of the celebration is largely influenced by the music, dance, and culture of 18th-century African slaves and indigenous groups from the region. The true essence of the festival is the blend of these different cultures. In return, it creates a vibrant cultural fusion that is truly inviting as much as it is exciting.
• Marimonda is one of the most important characters in the carnival
  Among the many characters in the carnival, Marimonda is considered to be the quintessential character. The people of Barranquilla take pride in this character as the only one that originated in the city. This character is represented by its own dance moves.
  This masked character has a long nose and big ears making it appear like a monkey mixed with an elephant dressed in bright, mismatched colors. The character was originally created by a poor man who used the resources available to him to poke fun of high society. It was popularized during the carnival as it represents the humorous and irreverent spirit of the people in the city.
• An intangible heritage of humanity
  Among the many Colombia carnival, Carnaval de Barranquilla is considered to be one of the country’s predominant folkloric celebrations. Although it flourished during the 1800s, the festival dates way back. It was declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. Not only does it showcase the culture and tradition of the city but also its vibrant and fun side. It has also helped low-income families in Barranquilla.
• Understand the whole celebration through Cumbia
  Cumbia is a dance-oriented music genre that showcases Barranquilla Carnival’s cultural fusion. Cumbia originally began with the Afro-Colombian population as a traditional courtship dance but went on to mix with Amerindian and European instruments to form one of the most popular genres of music in Colombia and Latin America. While a rich variety of musical styles are performed during Carnival Barranquilla, cumbia is the most prominent. During the carnival, performers keep the original traditions of the cumbia alive as they court each other to the drum and flute music.

The boost of Barranquilla tourism owes it to this cultural heritage --- Carnaval de Barranquilla. It is most definitely a sight to see and a celebration of a culture that is not to be missed.