Blacks and Whites’ Carnival, Colombia

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What is the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos?

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The Carnival of Blacks and Whites is a great historical celebration that takes place in Pasto, Colombia. The festival is a great celebration that commemorates the diversity of the city between Afro descendants, whites and of course, the indigenous who are also part of the history of the city and the country.

The Carnival of Blacks and Whites is the largest carnival celebration in southern Colombia and attracts a considerable number of tourists from all over the country and the world. During six days of celebration, the city becomes a large-scale party that takes to the streets to parade colorful costumes, floats and music. In addition, the streets are the scene of a greatbattle of foam, talc and cream during the last days of the carnival.

 

 

The days that are celebrated with the most excitement are January 5 and 6, as these days properly commemorate Black Day and White Day. Each one has its own special day and is celebrated with different elements ranging from painting faces black or participating in a great war of foam and talcum powder. The party, music and dancing are the common factor of both days.

The carnival festivities commemorate the African slaves who were forced to work in the territory. January 5 commemorates this percentage of the population, shouting in the streets “Long live the blacks!”. People take to the streets to paint their faces black to celebrate the culture by dancing and singing. This tradition aims to make everyone equal during the day.

On the last day of the carnivals they commemorate the whites. During this day, people paint their faces white with a mixture of talcum powder and cream. People shout in the streets “Long live the whites!“. The streets are filled with talcum powder and foam thanks to the war waged by the participants. In addition, the largest and most important parade of the celebration takes place, whose route is about 15 kilometers.

This interesting theme of the carnivals represents a deep cultural diversity found in the area. For this reason, the carnivals have been declared National Cultural Heritage by the Congress of the Republic of Colombia and OMasterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage by Unesco.

Every year almost half a million residents of the city congregate in the streets to celebrate. In addition, a good part of the inhabitants of the surrounding areas and neighboring countries come to witness this incredible celebration.

 

 

When is the Carnival of Blacks and Whites?

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The Carnavales de Negros y Blancos is celebrated every year from January 2 to 7. However, it has pre-carnival festivities, holding small ceremonies and musical performances from December 7.

 

 

History of the Black and White Carnivals

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Origin of the Carnival

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The Carnival of Blacks and Whites has a unique origin, as it is the result of mixing between the traditions and cultures of 3 regions of Colombia: the Andes, the Amazon and the Pacific. As a result, the carnival began to be celebrated since the mid-sixteenth century. The origins of it are particularly indigenous, which fulfilled the purpose ofpaying homage to certain natural elements such as the moon, sun and rain to bring prosperity to the crops.

With the arrival of the Spaniards, a process of cultural absorption began to take place, so that, due to the imposition of the Catholic faith, the traditions that were present in the region began to incorporate traditional elements of the European carnival. The festivities used to mark days that commemorated religious figures such as the Virgen las Mercedes or Immaculate Conception of Mary, as well as the Day of the Three Kings or Epiphany, the day on which the current carnivals are celebrated.

 

Manifestations

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The origin of the date of carnivals resulted from a series of demonstrations by theslaves in Antioquia, which resulted in panic among the colonizers. The slaves demanded a day of rest in order to celebrate their festivities. For this reason, the Spaniards granted a holiday so they could celebrate their traditions, being marked by January 5.

The event reached Popayán, Bogotá, where the slaves demanded the same rights, so that January 5 became a date on which was declared a day off for the Afro-descendant population. The news spread, making way for demonstrations consisting of painting white walls with black paint, dances and music. It is presumed that the traditions arrived in Pasto in the second half of the 19th century.

The celebration of the whites emerged during Three Kings Day or January 6 as a result of a creative response to the social events of the moment. Believe it or not, the celebration of emerged as a joke, in which a group of friends used makeup powder and decided to paint their faces, use perfume and shout “¡Que vivan los blanquitos!“. Sooner rather than later, many people began to imitate this type of actions, consolidating in the culture and in the parties that were already celebrated the day before.

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Foundation

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During the first half of the 20th century the carnival began to acquire new forms through the active participation of several sectors, among them the educational sector with the universities that were located in the locality. Such elements consisted of the incorporation of Carnival Queens, dresses, comparsas and dances that included traditional regional music.

Likewise, at the end of the 1920s, a singular event occurred that does not have a completely concrete origin. During these dates, hundreds of riders gathered to participate in carnival events. However, during that day a family of five arrived in town with their workers to settle into their new home. Event organizers began to include the travelers in the parade celebration, which resulted in a large gathering of riders trotting around the family. Along with their celebration they shouted words of encouragement, greeted by the family unexpectedly and with some shock. When the celebration was over, the horsemen escorted the family to the place where they would stay. However, another version indicates that the celebration of the Castañeda Family is nothing more than a parody of the family of the Colombian politician Julián Bucheli Ayerbe, who would become the first governor of Nariño.

By the mid-twentieth century, the carnival already consisted of a defined system and organization featuring various creative expressions, floats, scenery, costumes and various activities for communal entertainment.

 

Development

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By the 1950s, thecarnival elements began to be more refined and to larger proportions. The carnivals began to receive greater collaboration from the state and to include competitive and musical elements. Between the 1960s and 1970s, the integration of international bands and orchestras began, especially from sister country Venezuela. In addition, the first elements of children’s carnivals began to emerge.

 

Transformation

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The carnival began to contribute more directly to the economy of the country and opened the way to characteristics of various regions such as musical rhythms and great cultural elements. In addition, many more spaces were opened to integrate diverse social sectors of the peoples of American origin. The fame was such that the carnivals had to create a body to regulate the planning and development of the festivities and at the same time include the different economic and social sectors. Attempts to create a body for the purposes of executing the carnivals did not reach good results due to the lack of consensus from the sectors, so the state government took control of them to prevent the disappearance of the carnivals.

 

Modernity

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At the beginning of the century, the Carnavales de Negros y Blancos were declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation through the Congress of the Republic of Colombia. This event allowed the carnivals to continue to develop and acquire unique spaces for the festivities. In this way, the logistics of the carnivals began to acquire more body, allowing for better organization, planning and development including the cultural diversity of the area. The Carnivals acquired a fixed place in the calendar of government agencies and by 2009, the carnivals were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.

 

Where is the Carnival of Blacks and Whites?

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The Carnival of Blacks and Whites is celebrated in the city of San Juan de Pasto or simply Pasto in southwestern Colombia. However, it has also been celebrated in some adjacent regions.

 

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How is the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos celebrated?

Carnival celebrations begin as early as December of the previous year. The events are built of great commemorative meals, cultural events, the celebration of the day of the innocents and end of the year celebration with the burning of effigies representing the old year.

That said, the traditional celebrations of the Carnavales de Blancos y Negros have an extensive schedule that celebrates the multiculturalism of the region. In addition, various cultural performances take place, great musical events with the participation of bands and artists and the great parade that takes place on the last day of the celebrations.

 

Pre-carnival festivities

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The pre-carnival celebrations begin in December, on December 7 to be exact on December 7 with the Day of the Candles. Events continue with novenas until Epiphany. Later on, events such as the Day of the Innocents and the New Year’s celebration with the burning of dolls made with old rags and gunpowder take place. In addition, an event called “Arcoíris en el Asfalto” (Rainbows on the Asphalt) is carried out by the city’s educational institutions. During the event large artistic and colorful works of art are painted on the asphalt of the city with chalk.

 

Carnavalito

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It is a celebration that takes place at the beginning of January and it is a celebration aimed exclusively at the children of the city. The children perform their own parades with small floats that are built and decorated by themselves. The event serves as an initiation to the little ones, so that the children also participate in the Main Parade..

 

Arrival of the Castañeda Family

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This is a historical tradition that celebrates the arrival of a family to Pasto in 1929. People dress up in costumes simulating the characters of the family to then perform a graceful parade with all their luggage and kitchen utensils. In addition, the parade includes other humorous personalities of the town and historical characters.

The Day of the Blacks

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Black Day is a day that marks the date when African slaves were free to enjoy their traditions through dancing and music. During this day, people play and dance in the streets with black paint on their faces. Friends and acquaintances play with each other using creams to color the faces until they are completely covered. Throughout the day the crowd can be heard shouting “Que vivan los Negros!”.

In addition, people hold parades in the streets with the participation of the Reina del Carnaval and all visitors are invited to participate in the celebration. The rest of the day people dedicate to celebrate with music, dancing and visit the talleres where the carrozas that will take to the streets the following day are made.

 

The Day of the Whites

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January 6 was no longer known as the Day of the Kings, to be catalogued as the Day of the Whites or the Great Parade. On the previous day people painted their faces with black paint, while on this day people paint themselves white using talc, foam, cream or cosmetic paints..

This day is one of the most special, as theGrand Carnival Parade, which has a 7 km long route, is celebrated. Thousands of people participate in the celebration and attend the large colorful parades that occupy beautiful costumes and imposing colorful floats. In addition, people celebrate with confeti and throwing talcum powder and foam. The city becomes a great stage where everyone dances, sings and celebrates the cultural diversity of Pasto..

 

Tips for going to the Carnavales de Negros y Blancos

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If you wish to attend the Negros y Blancos carnivals, we advise you to plan your trip in advance, make a travel itinerary and book your accommodation in advance. Also, be sure to pack something warm because during the dates the weather is a bit cold.

Finally, remember to go on the last day of carnival with clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as you will probably end up covered in talcum powder and foam.

Keep in mind that the participation in the parade floats is paid, so you must pay a fee to be part of them.

 

Events in the Carnival of Blacks and Whites

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The Carnival of the Blacks and Whites includes a large number of events that take place during the month of December, so the carnival becomes a great month of celebration that commemorates both religious festivals and the cultures of the city.

 

Pre-Carnival Events

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The pre-Carnival events begin on December 7 with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception of María which then continues with the celebration of the Novena, extending until January 6.

In addition, April Fool’s Day is also included in the pre-Carnival celebrations, with the performance of pranks and other playful activities. Likewise, the Rainbow on the Asphalt takes place, an event in which drawings are made on the streets of the city. Finally, the Burning of effigies of the old year ceremonies take place, burning rag dolls filled with gunpowder.

Once the pre-Carnival events are over, the carnival festivities begin, which include a large number of cultural events, parades and musical performances. Some events begin on December 2.

 

Carnival events

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Parade of the Colonies

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This event is held incorporating residents who come fromsurrounding areas of the city. It is usually celebrated with different cultural manifestations such as music, food and dancing.

 

Carnavalito

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The carnavalito usually takes place on January 3 and is an event that integrates exclusively the children of the city. During the day, parades are held in which carrozas that were designed and built by the children themselves are paraded. In addition, various cultural and musical events take place.

 

 

Song to the Earth

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The Cato a la Tierra was an event that emerged in the late 20th century. The purpose of it was to shorten the celebration of the last day of carnivals, as this comprised a large collection of musical performances between comparsas and concerts, so it was decided to create an eliminatory event this day. People perform a large repertoire of music and dance so that a judge can then decide who will participate in the Grand Carnival Parade. In this way, the cultural presentations are shortened for January 6.

 

The Castañeda Family

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The event incorporating the Familia Castañeda takes place on January 4. The event featurescultural presentations, parades, comparsas and theatrical events that incorporate family members in a fun and unique way. In addition, the characteristic characters of the town are incorporated.

 

The Day of the Blacks

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The celebration takes place on January 5, where the African slaves are commemorated. During the day people paint their faces and that of others with black paint. The entire day is characterized by a continuous celebration of music and dance, accompanied by the characteristic cries of “¡Que vivan los Negros!”.

 

The Day of the Whites

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It takes place on January 6, the last day of the carnivals. The day is characterized by an extensive celebration of parades, dances, floats, comparsas and music. People take to the streets to party with fragrant powder, foam and cream, painting themselves and whoever is in between. The parade stretches for about 15 kilometers full of color and music.

 

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Carnaval de Negros y Blancos Parades

 

The Grand Parade, also known as the Margo Parade, is the event with the greatest impact on the carnivals. The event is attended by thousands of locals and tourists who come to the city to be part of the unique Carnavales de Negros y Blancos.

The parade is composed of several comparsas between individuals and groups that move both on foot and on floats. The floats can usually be decorated with distinctive motifs of large size, reaching distances of up to 15 meters in length and are transported by trucks. In addition, the parade also involves non-motorized floats or mini floats, which are transported on foot or by bicycle.

Music is also an important part of the parades.Hundreds of musicians and bands congregate in the streets to accompany the floats. The bands also wear their distinctive colorful costumes and usually feature brass and percussion instruments.

Also, the parade includes several groups that perform various musicalperformances and theatrical scenes commemorating their culture and ethnicity, so it is common to see indigenous groups participating in the festivities.

 

Parade route

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The parade takes the main roads of the Historic Center, passing through the Carnival Square and crossing some of the main avenues of the city.

 

 

What to eat at the Carnival of Negros y Blancos[/h2>.

One of the drinks you can try during carnival is Canelazo. This is a hot drink made with aguardiente, panela or piloncillo and cinnamon water. In addition, the drink tends to change according to the region and sometimes other spices or citrus are added.

In addition, you can eat one of the most characteristic sweets of the area: the quimbolitos. Quimbolitos are a kind of cake made with corn flour, butter, cheese and raisins. All this mixture is placed in achira leaves and steamed.

In addition, the city of Pasto also offers you some places where you can go to eat some local food: La Merced, La Catedral Café and Chalet Guamuez Restaurant.

 

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Travel Insurance

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From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurances. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos

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Within the carnivals you can be part of the various activities that take placefrom January 2 to the 6th of that month. You can start the day of the carnivals with the Parade of the Colonies. Then you can see all the events that take place on the day of the Carnavalito and witness the ingenuity of the children who built their floats.

Finally, you cans attend the events with the largest participation such as the Canto a la Tierra and the Familia Castañeda event. The main events are the Day of the Blacks and the Day of the Whites with the Magno Parade that you definitely won’t want to miss.

If you don’t want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city:.

 

What to see and do outside of the Carnavales de Negros y Blancos

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Some of the attractions you can find in the city of Pasto:

 

Church La Catedral

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It is one of the most important churches in the city. Inside you can find an incredible structure with imposing religious images and dozens of colorful paintings.

 

Carnival Museum

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It is one of the most representative museums of the culture of the city. Inside the facilities you can find a large collection of carnival pieces such as pieces and costumes. In addition, it has documentation on the elaboration of carnivals and its history.

 

Historic Center of Pasto

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It is the heart of the city. Within it you can find a contrast of modern and colonial buildings. In addition, you have several stores, squares and statues.

In addition, if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend you to book your entrance ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

 

Safety in the Carnivals of Blacks and Whites

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The city of Pasto is quite safe, so you should not worry if you decide to come to spend the carnivals. However, we recommend caution on the streets: try to travel during the day, do not wear too flashy clothes and contact the authorities if you identify any suspicious activity.

It is always a good idea to keep your valuables in a safe place to avoid theft and loss. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your valuables safe:

 

 

Weather in the Carnival of Blacks and Whites

 

The weather in the city of Pasto during the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos is somewhat cold, with temperatures ranging between 9 and 17 degrees Celsius. We recommend you to pack something warm for the festivities.

 

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How to get to the Carnival of Blacks and Whites

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How to get there by plane

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The closest airport to the city of Pasto is Aeropuerto Antonio Nariño. The airport mainly receives flights from Bogotá and Cali, so we recommend traveling from these airports.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by bus

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From the airport you can take a bus that will take you directly to Pasto. The ride is 30 minutes.

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport you can take a car and drive along Route 25 and Villamoreno-Pasto. The drive is 47 minutes.

If you decide to take a cab, the price ranges between 5 and 7 US dollars.

 

Where to stay at the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos

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Booking.com

 

Hotel Fernando Plaza

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3-star hotel 350 meters from the city center. The rooms have television, minibar and bathroom. Facilities include bar, airport shuttle, parking and free wifi.

 

Hotel Venecia Confort

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3 star hotel 1.9 km from the city center. The rooms have private bathrooms. The hotel provides laundry service, airport transfers, parking and free wifi.

 

Loft Hotel

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3-star hotel 250 meters from the city center. The rooms have television and private bathroom. The hotel has a restaurant, gym, spa, bar and free wifi.

We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.

 

Thank you for reading

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