South America is famous for its stunning splendor, rich history, and genuine diversity. Colombia is at the top when it comes to tourists who are nature lovers or avid birdwatchers. But the thing that many don’t know and are sadly missing out on is that it’s also the home of the second biggest carnival of South America, closely after the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It is the Barranquilla Carnival in Colombia is crucial to people living in the country because it represents the folklore and traditions that are sacred to Colombia and the diverse traditions that inspired these. It’s a vibrant carnival that is welcoming and warm, which is inclusive of all and draws thousands of visitors every year.

Barranquilla is a major port city situated near the Caribbean Sea. It explodes into a spectacular festival of colors and dance in Barranquilla Carnival. Barranquilla Carnival which is celebrated during a period of four days that commences on the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday. The celebrations begin being held before the actual celebration.

Kuoda Kuoda have put together the 5 most important points to consider before you go to the Colombian Barranquilla Carnival.

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HISTORY OF THE BARRANQUILLA CARNIVAL

In the beginning of the 18th century in Barranquilla, the Carnival includes a variety of traditions and celebrations which include the different kinds of folklore dance. These customs include vibrant costumes, high-energy dancing, and amazing events that make it among the most thrilling carnivals in South America.

It is believed that the Barranquilla Carnival still includes ceremonies of the ancient indigenous people of Colombia These traditions originate from European colonialists and their musical-themed celebrations that occurred in the 19th century, at the time that Africans were forced into slavery.

This is a very unique celebration that focuses on the rich heritage of Colombia and acknowledges the many styles of life that have made this beautiful nation their home.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

Celebrations that celebrate the carnival as well as other events and celebrations begin in the first month prior to the celebration. These carnival-related events are open to all who attend, and showcase the joy that people in the country are able to feel during the months prior for the celebration.

There won’t be huge crowds of visitors, like you’d expect from the counterpart that takes place in Rio de Janeiro, so it’s a great occasion to get a deeper understanding of the local culture and rub shoulders with people who take pride in the folklore of their culture and unique traditions.

The area is simple to get to, and ideal for tourists looking to visit other hot spots in Colombia. Barranquilla is situated in between Cartagena as well as Santa Marta which can be easily reached by aircraft or train from Europe as well as the USA. It can easily be added to your travel plans, without needing to alter much of the initial plans.

The city has a range of cultures that have their the roots of Indigenous, African, European and Middle Eastern customs. It’s a musical mix featuring fusions of folk dancing vibrant costumes and old ceremonies influenced by the people who not only take pride in, and honor their various cultures.

THE PARADE

The flag-raising ceremony kicks the celebrations off and is held on the Antiguo Edificio de La Independencia Fluvial Secretaria de Cultura Patrimonio y Turismo. The main event takes place in the Plaza de la Luz, and the streets surrounding it are shut down for the parade. On Friday, the previous Carnival Queen handover the crown to the new queen and will be the queen of the celebrations of next year.

There are three major parades you shouldn’t be missed: Battle of the Flowers, Grand Parade of Tradition and Folklore and the Grand Parade of Comparsas. Each one is distinct and distinctive from one another and are held on different days during the carnival.

Battle of the Flowers is the most beautiful parade that features horseback carriages and themed floats, folklore and traditional music. The locals dress in colorful traditional costumes. the floats decorated with flowers exude positive energy and optimistic energy as confetti gets scattered into the crowds of people.

Grand Parade of Tradition and Folklore comprises only cultural groups. It is a significant parade that gives place to share specific customs through music and dance shows. There aren’t any floats in this parade.

Gran Parade of Comparsas is the final festival parade. It’s a mix of various cultural traditions by way of dance, lavish colourful costumes and floats themed, and various music styles that range from salsa to merengue, electronic, and reggaeton.

WHAT ELSE IS IN BARRANQUILLA?

If you choose to arrive earlier, or take part in any of the numerous pre-carnival events including for instance the Reading of the Bando, the Raising of the Carnival Flag and Carnival, the Gay Carnival, the Children’s Carnival and the Gaucherna or simply desire to visit Barranquilla’s city Barranquilla following the four days of dancing and revelry, Barranquilla has a few tourist options to take a look.

There is the Grand Malecon Puerto de Oro is an excursion on the river, which is a great spot to watch the sunset or sunrise, and there are various street vendors who sell local foods. This is another chance to explore your local customs and interact people from the area.

If you’re looking to tap back into the digital age or to stock-up on your travel “must-haves”, Buenavista Shopping Mall has clothing shops restaurant, gadget shops and restaurants that are difficult to locate elsewhere if you are planning to travel to further afield areas for bundu-bashing in the aftermath of the carnival.

Zoologico De Barranquilla a sanctuary that houses approximately 109 species of non-native and native animals. It is an important place because it was first established in the year 1930. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax and reconnect to nature following or prior to the festival.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT WITH KUODA?

Colombia is an extremely distinct country in a variety of aspects. It is a country with a rich history and stunning natural beauty that attracts nature-lovers and travelers from all across the globe. In addition, it is as we’ve just seen it is the second biggest Carnival of all time in South America. It’s quite difficult planning a vacation such as this, given that there are so many places within the country that have the uniqueness of its own.

Kuoda Kuoda know the importance of planning a meticulous trip itinerary, particularly one that takes you to a vast nation – one where you wouldn’t want to be missing any aspect. We specialize in creating customized travel packages. Our trip planners have years of experience in designing memorable and authentic trips which meet people’s particular needs and preferences. Get in touch with us to discuss more about what you’ll need especially for your journey and let’s begin organizing it now!