The Economic Impact of Carnival Festivals: Beyond the Revelry
When you think of Carnival, what comes to mind first? The vibrant costumes, rhythmic steelpan, soca music, and streets filled with joyous revelers?
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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 8, 2025.
Where is the Black and White Carnival celebrated?
The Black and White Carnival will be happening 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.’
Black and White Carnival Schedule
Carnival Parade
Date: Jan 2, 2024
Location: Pasto
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.
Children's Carnival
Date: Jan 3, 2024
Location: Pasto
Children's carnival celebrations during the Black and White Carnival in Pasto feature lively and family-friendly activities. These include colorful costumes, parades, music, and cultural performances tailored for young participants, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere for children to enjoy.
The Parade of the Castaneda Family
Date: Jan 4, 2024
Location: Pasto
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, 2024
Location: Pasto
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, 2024
Location: Pasto
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, 2024
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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