The Black and White Carnival will take place from January 2, 2027 to January 7, 2027.
The Black and White Carnival will be celebrated in Pasto, Colombia.
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.
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.’
Expect fun and playful interactions, where the boundaries of age and social status disappear.
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.
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.
Massive, artistically crafted floats depicting cultural, historical, and mythical themes.
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.
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.
Date: December 28, 2026
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
The Pre-Carnival kicks off with the Carnival of Water, a joyful street celebration where participants of all ages take to the streets armed with hoses, buckets, and water balloons for a city-wide water fight to welcome the festive season.
Date: December 30, 2026
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
The second pre-carnival event celebrates Andean music with performances by the best string trios of the Andean Region, serenading the city of Pasto in a beautiful tribute to the region's musical heritage.
Date: January 2, 2027
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
The official opening day of Black and White Carnival features a tribute to Our Lady of Mercy, the Colonies Parade celebrating Pasto's diverse cultural roots, and Pastorock, an event dedicated to promoting alternative music in the region.
Date: January 3, 2027
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
Carnavalito is the children's parade, where young participants take to the streets with their own floats and costumes in a colorful and joyful celebration of carnival culture for the next generation.
Date: January 4, 2027
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
The Castañeda Family Parade is a beloved tradition celebrating a legendary Pasto family from 1928, where participants dress in early 20th-century attire and parade through the streets in a nostalgic and theatrical tribute to the city's history.
Date: January 5, 2027
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
One of the most significant days of the carnival, the Day of the Blacks commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Africans. Participants paint their faces and bodies black as orchestras play in the streets, celebrating a powerful moment of unity across all social classes and races.
Date: January 6, 2027
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
The Day of the Whites is the grand finale of the Black and White Carnival, where participants throw white talcum powder at each other in a spectacular display of unity and harmony. A grand parade of elaborately decorated floats winds through the city in the most visually stunning event of the entire festival.
Date: January 7, 2027
Location: Pasto, Colombia
Time: Various times
The festival closes with the Day of the Guinea Pig, a beloved local tradition celebrating the gastronomy of the Nariño region, with the iconic cuy (guinea pig) dish taking center stage alongside other traditional foods and final carnival festivities.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Pasto is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Colombia, across Latin America, or internationally.
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The best area to stay for the Black and White Carnival is downtown Pasto, as close to the Senda Carnaval parade route as possible.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Pasto during Carnival is easiest if you stay near the parade route and main event areas.
We’ve gathered some of our best Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for the Black and White Carnival and other festivals worldwide:
