Carnaval de Negros y BlancosBy: Troy Snyder

Carnaval de Negros y Blancos or (Carnival of

Blacks and Whites) is one of the largest and oldest

celebrations in Colombia, specifically in the southern

city of Pasto. The celebration is a five day affair which begins on

January 2nd and ends on the 7th, attracting

thousands of locals and tourists alike.

In 2009, due to it’s popularity and growth,

the Carnival was awarded the

Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible

Heritage of Humanity award by United

Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization.

The parade’s origins trace back in the early 1900s, where colonies and people of

different backgrounds met and interacted in the city of Pasto. This carnival is a display of

different cultures and infusions of people coming together

after years of living together and exchanging traditions for

centuries to come. Some notable influences are of

Indian, African and Spanish cultural rituals.

The five day carnival is comprised of four

unique stages- of them being the Pre-carnival, the Carnavalito, The

Parade of the Castañeda Family, El Día de los Negros and

finally El Día de los Blancos.

1. The Pre-Carnival is considered the kick off event of the five day affair, and during this time people “get wet”,

and anyone who participates can walk

around with instruments and carts filled with

water to contribute to the sole purpose of the day,

being wet.

2. The Caravalito is dedicated to

showcasing the creative and

musical talents of children between the ages of 6 and

14, around all regions.

3.The Parade of the Castañeda Family is a monumental parade where people dress up

in traditional costumes and walk

around in the streets of the city, this is prior to the break out of a

large party in the main part of the city.

4. El Día de los Negros begins on January 5th and all willing participants,

receive “pinticas” which is black cosmetics

applied to the face, arms and other body

parts. This is meant to recognize that there are no differences between

races or classes.

5. El Día de los Blancos, takes place a day later and instead of

black pinticas, people are placed in white powder.

During this day, collaborators and artists

present their work on huge floats that go

around the city, spreading joy and culture for the

remainder of the parade.