Barranquilla's Carnival

Barranquilla's Carnaval (Spanish: Carnaval de Barranquilla) is Colombia's most important folklore celebration. It is one of the biggest carnivals in the world, after Rio de Janeiro. The carnival has traditions that date back to the 19th century. Forty days before Holy Week, Barranquilla decks itself out to receive national and foreign tourists, and join together with the city's inhabitants to enjoy four days of intense festivities. During the carnival Barranquilla's normal activities are paralyzed because the city gets busy with street dances, musical and masquerade parades. Barranquilla´s Carnival includes dances like the Spanish paloteo, African congo and indigenous mico y micas. Many styles of Colombian music are also performed, most prominently cumbia, and instruments include drums and wind ensembles. The Carnival of Barranquilla was proclaimed Cultural Masterpiece of the Nation by Colombia's National Congress on November 26, 2001. The Carnival starts on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday with the Battle of the Flowers, which is considered one of the main activities. Then, The Great Parade on Sunday and Monday is marked by an Orchestra Festival with Caribbean and Latin bands. Tuesday signals the end of the carnival, announced by the burial of Joselito Carvajal, who is mourned by everyone. “Who lives it, is who enjoys it!” is the Carnival's slogan. Costumes and Dances La Marimonda is the most popular costume, because is the only with origin in Barranquilla and the rest of the customs comes from African origin. The disguise includes bright trousers and vests with big floppy ears, very big eyes and a long nose. Other traditional customs are El garabato, El Africano, Dracula, El torito, EL Congo, El Monocuco, Los Cabezones, Las Muñeconas, and El Tigrillo. The Carnival´s dances are: La Cumbia, El Garabato, Son de Negro, El Congo, El Mapale, El Caiman, El Paloteo, El Gusano, Las Farotas, De Relacion and Las Pilanderas.

Presentado por: Jahel Sanjuanelo Linda Aranda :)