Objective

Aim
● To understand Colombian culture and the traditions behind
regional carnivals celebrated in the country.

Success Criteria
• Statement 1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
● Locate the geographical locations of the different carnivals
• Statement 2
on the map.
• Sub statement
● Describe some of the events that take place in each of the
celebrations.
Where Is Colombia?
The
Who knows where Colombia is located on the map? population of
Colombia
is 52 million
people.

Colombi
a
Bogot
á

The capital city of Colombia is Bogotá. The next major cities in

population size are Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga.
The Main Carnivals in Colombia
Take Place in These Cities:
Barranquilla

Medellín

Mazinzales

Cali

Pasto

Carnivals in Colombia are enormous celebrations, with

deep cultural roots that have been passed on through
generations.
What Is the Difference Between a
Fair and a Carnival?
Carnivals are enormous festivals that combine real and fictitious
storytelling, typical of the regional culture. Carnivals in
Colombia mix Indigenous, African and Spanish traditions so
horse riding, parades, costumes and lots of dancing can be
observed in the majority of the celebrations.

By taking place consecutively each year, the carnivals become

a tradition and boost trade, attracting tourists and developing
workspaces for local artisans and artists.

A fair is an event where there are

exhibitors and spectators, with the event
themed around a series of activities.
Carnival breaks down barriers in society
and is a celebration with a focus on local
citizen participation.
 Takes place
in Pasto,
Black and White Carnival Nariño. It
started
between
1880 and
1890.
Pre-carnival preparations take place
from 28th - 31st December. The carnival is
formally celebrated from 2nd January to
6th January each year.

”Celebrating at the Carnival de Blancos y Negros in Pasto, Colombia” by James Wagstaff_Shutterstock.com is

licensed under CC BY 2.0.
 Black and White Carnival

The origin of this carnival goes back

to the celebrations carried out by
indigenous groups of the local region
giving thanks for the crops and a
bountiful harvest.

Little by little, cultural elements of

Spanish and African fairs and festivals
were incorporated, due to the close
contact and links with these cultures.

This event is known as the only

carnival with purely indigenous
roots, created thanks to the mix of
cultures that occurred after the
independence of Colombia from
Spanish control.
 Black and White Carnival

One of the most emblematic events of this festival takes place on 4 th

January and is known as the parade of the Castañeda Family. This
parade is a tribute to the matron of the Castañeda family who, on
her death, freed more than 100 enslaved people. A key part of the
Castañeda Family parade is a large street procession packed full of
history and tradition.
”Desfile Colectivos Coreograficos at the black and white Pasto carnival” by Orchid photho_Shutterstock.com is
licensed under CC BY 2.0.
 Takes place
in
The Barranquilla Carnival Barranquilla,
Atlantic and
was
established in
1881.

”Barranquilla Carnival, Colombia” by doleesi_Shutterstock.comis licensed under CC BY 2.0.

 The Barranquilla Carnival
During this celebration, the city is filled with floats, people
dressed in the most curious outfits, mythological beings, satirical
costumes and dancers who express themselves to the rhythm of
emblematic regional dance styles featuring Colombian music,
including cumbia, mapalé, and porro.
The carnival of Barranquilla, influenced
by the Spanish and Portuguese, is more
than a Colombian party or a simple
excuse for a celebration. The celebration
represents the strengthening of local
identity and the different social ties that
have been created over time through
dance and music; using collective
techniques
On thatday,
the fourth havewhich
endured in
marks the closing of the festivities,
Colombian
a character known as ‘JoselitotoCarnaval’ appears. This
culture and have helped
transform it. symbolises the enjoyment and beginning and
character
ending of the festivities. As he parades through the street,
all of his widows, relatives and those who are saying
farewell to the celebrations follow him, sharing laughter and
sadness.
”Barranquilla, Colombia, Celebration of the barranquilla_s
Saraponsphoto_Shutterstock.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
carnival called Joselito_s funeral” by
 The Barranquilla Carnival
This carnival became the first in the country to obtain a title
from UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity. This title, awarded for 20 years,
recognises the celebrations importance as a global cultural
reference of Colombia.

The festival’s costumes and overall appearance are passed

through the generations in order to ensure the continuity of
the celebration. These reflect Colombia as a nation: the
perfect mix between Spanish, Indigenous and African
cultures.
 Takes place
Cali Fair in Cali, Valle
del Cauca.
Established
in 1958.

25th and 30th

December.

”Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, Jairo Varela Carriage, Cali fair” by oscar garces_Shutterstock.com is licensed
under CC BY 2.0.
 Cali Fair

Originally known as the Sugar Cane Fair, it

earned its name due to the fact that sugar
cane has always been the key product driving
the region's development. To honor this
noteworthy economic contribution of the
department, it was deemed appropriate to
pay tribute to its foremost accomplishment.

Even today, the big sugar cane mills are

well-known and have contributed to the
city's economic strength in the sugar
industry and its related products.
 Cali Fair
During its very first edition, the fair lasted for 40 days straight,
making it a remarkable achievement that would be remembered
as a significant milestone. Notably, famous artists and well-
known figures from both national and international backgrounds
attended the event.

After some time, salsa became a

crucial part of the celebration with
the rise of notable music groups
that brought the Salsódromo
(music and dance parade) to life,
including the highly respected
Grupo Niche.

In 2002, Cali was named the world capital of salsa.

 Manizales,
Caldas.
Manizales Fair Started in
1955.
Takes place
on 1st
December.
 Manizales Fair
At first, it was an attempt to replicate the April Fair, which had
been held in Seville, Spain, for over a hundred years. As a
result, traditional events such as the bullfighting season
(including the procession of the Virgin of Macarena) and the
presence of women dressed in traditional Andalusian
costumes became established features.

Simultaneously, the International Coffee

Beauty Pageant came into existence, and the
pasodoble "Feria de Manizales" was composed.
It was first recorded in 1957 by the band known
as El Empastre.
 Manizales Fair

It features traditional events such as the International

Coffee Beauty Pageant, bullfighting and parades.

Nevertheless, the fair has been

introducing exciting new activities
like cart races, extreme games, and a
thrilling night time race illuminated
with neon lights. In addition, famous
artists from Colombia and around the
globe delight the audience with their
performances on the stages.
 Medillín,
Flower Fair Antioquia.
Originally
started in
August 1957.

Takes place during

the first week of
August.
 Flower Fair
It honours the silletera tradition, which has its roots in the
colonial times and has been a matter of great pride since 1st
May 1957.

The silleteros symbolize an

important moment in history.
They were the muleteers
(people who drive mules and
carts) who carried not only
goods but even people on their
backs. This practice led to the
creation of "silletas," which are
artistic displays representing
the rich culture of Antioquia.
 Flower Fair

In 2003, the Congress of the Republic in Colombia proclaimed the

silleteros and the Flower Festival as cultural treasures of the nation.
It shows how beautiful and important this culture and tradition are,
not just for the people but for the whole country.
”Antioquia, Colombia, Silleteros Parade, Flower Fair” by oscar garces_Shutterstock.com is licensed under CC BY
2.0.
 Group Discussion Activities
1 Talk with a partner about whether you have ever been to a
fair or carnival and share what you thought of the
experience.

2
What do you think about big events like fairs and carnivals?
What are the good things and the challenges they bring?

3
What do you think about beauty pageants, bullfighting fairs,
and horse parades? Explain your thoughts and suggest
other events or activities that could attract a lot of people.

4 Work together with a partner to create a campaign

promoting one of Colombia's carnivals or fairs to people in
other countries.