Black and White Pasto Carnival

When is the 2025 Black and White Carnival?

The Black and White Carnival will occur from January 2, 2025 to January 7, 2025.

Where is the Black and White Carnival celebrated?

The Black and White Carnival will be celebrated in Pasto, Colombia.

What is the Black and White Carnival?

Colombia hosts a diverse array of fairs and festivals throughout the year, with the Black and White Carnival in Pasto marking the beginning of the annual festivities. Lasting six days, this iconic event showcases the cultural traditions of the region and was designated a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.

Taking place from January 2 to 7, with a pre-carnival on December 28 and 30, the carnival features events such as the Carnival of Water, a playful water fight, and the Serenade to Pasto with performances by the best string trios from the Andean Region.

The official celebration includes the Carnavalito, the Castañeda Family Parade, and memorable days where participants paint their bodies black and white, culminating in a grand parade of floats. The carnival concludes on January 7 with the celebration of the “Day of Guinea Pig,” showcasing Nariño’s important dish and highlighting the region’s gastronomy. This cultural extravaganza attracts tourists globally and unites locals from across Colombia.

What to Expect at the Black and White Carnival?

Black and White Carnival in Pasto is renowned for its unique celebration, where people engage in vibrant color play, using various substances like paint, polish, grease, talcum, chalk, and flour. The event spans two days, with January 5th commemorating the liberation of African slaves (Blacks) and January 6th dedicated to joyful festivities (Whites).

The carnival, starting on December 28th with pre-events, features street strolls, water bucket throwing, a “Serenade to Pasto,” and impressive parades on January 2nd. Attendees can revel in local music, ancient costumes, and diverse performances by artists, with the option to purchase special protective masks called ‘antifaz.’

Parades

Expect fun and playful interactions, where the boundaries of age and social status disappear.

Comparsas

Large groups (comparsas) of dancers, musicians, and performers in elaborate costumes will parade through the city. Groups perform regional dances and music, showcasing Colombia's diverse cultural tapestry.

Food Festivals

During the carnival, you'll find a range of traditional local foods. From empanadas (fried cornmeal pastries) to cuy (roasted guinea pig), the streets are filled with food stalls offering a wide variety of snacks and meals to fuel the celebrations.

Elaborate Floats

Massive, artistically crafted floats depicting cultural, historical, and mythical themes.

Street Carnivals

Throughout the festival, various street parties (fiestas populares) take place. These events involve dancing, live music, and a general feeling of celebration, where everyone comes together to enjoy the festivities.

Face Painting

Expect a lot of face painting, both from participants and attendees. Many people take the opportunity to paint their faces black, white, or even in other creative designs to embrace the spirit of the festival.

Black and White Carnival Schedule

Carnival Parade

Date: Jan 2, 2025

Location: Senda del Carnaval, Pasto

Time: 9:00

The Black and White Carnival Parade in Colombia is a vibrant and unique celebration marked by people playfully painting and coloring each other with various substances, including paint, polish, grease, talcum, chalk, and flour. Taking place over two days, January 5th and 6th, the event commemorates the liberation of African slaves on the first day and continues with lively festivities on the second. The carnival features street strolls, water bucket throwing, a "Serenade to Pasto," and impressive parades showcasing local music, ancient costumes, and diverse performances by local, national, and international artists.

Songs to the Earth Parade

Date: Jan 3, 2025

Location: Senda del Carnaval to Estadio Departmental Libertad

Time: 10:00

The Songs to the Earth Parade (Desfile de los Canto a la Tierra) features traditional music that celebrates the region's cultural heritage, focusing on indigenous and Afro-Colombian rhythms. These songs include cumbia, bambuco, and currulao, accompanied by drums, flutes, and marimbas. The music is designed to connect participants to the earth, honoring nature and the Andean ancestral traditions of the area. The parade creates a lively and spiritual atmosphere, blending dance, music, and colorful costumes.

The Parade of the Castaneda Family

Date: Jan 4, 2025

Location: Senda Carnaval to AV. Alfonso Zambrano

Time: 10:00

The Parade of the Castaneda Family, a long-standing tradition since 1928, marks the official start of the carnival in Pasto. Originating from a family that joined a Horse Parade with their pigs and sheep, the event became institutionalized after the father enthusiastically saluted the crowd, giving rise to a cherished part of the carnival. In homage to this historic day, locals dress in period costumes, creating a nostalgic atmosphere, while carnival groups perform traditional peasant dances, contributing to the festive and cultural celebration.

The Day of the Blacks

Date: Jan 5, 2025

Location: Comunas de la cuidad, Pasto

Time: 14:00

The Day of the Blacks commemorates the liberation of African slaves. On this day, vibrant festivities unfold, featuring playful color play with substances like paint, polish, grease, talcum, chalk, and flour, creating a lively and symbolic celebration of freedom and cultural heritage. The event typically includes street strolls, water bucket throwing, and cultural performances, contributing to the unique and festive atmosphere of the carnival.

The Day of the Whites

Date: Jan 6, 2025

Location: Senda Carnaval to AV. Alfonso Zambrano

Time: 8:00

The Day of the Whites is a continuation of the vibrant festivities. This day is characterized by joyful celebrations, cultural events, and lively parades, where people come together to revel in music, dance, and a sense of community. Participants often engage in playful activities, embodying the spirit of unity and festivity that defines this concluding day of the carnival.

The Day of the Guinea Pig

Date: Jan 7, 2025

Location: Pasto

The concluding day of the carnival, named the "Day of the Guinea Pig," highlights the celebration of a significant regional dish, Nariño, through the Guinea Pig and Farmers Festival, showcasing the region's gastronomy. The carnival concludes with a closed march, bringing an end to the festive and culinary events that characterize this concluding day of the celebration.

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