The Baranquilla carnival It is considered one of the most important cultural festivals in Colombia. takes place in the city of Barranquilla during the four days prior to the start of the Catholic period of Lent. This carnival hosts a wide variety of choreographed, musical, lyrical and theatrical shows, where the main objective is to show the values ​​and beliefs of the Colombo-Caribbean subcultures.

In 2003, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared it a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.

Every year, the city of Barranquilla transforms itself during these dates and prepares to put on a folkloric celebration enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Within the carnival, the following parades stand out:

La guacherna: This is a nocturnal parade with dances, troupes, and costumes which kicks off “La Fiesta de Dios Momo” (King Momo’s party), as the carnival is popularly known.

La batalla de flores (The Battle of the Flowers): This is a traditional float parade, hosted by the Carnival queen, in which other national showbiz personalities also take part, including Miss Colombia.

La gran parada (The Great Parade): The different folkloric groups come together for this parade. With their troupes, dances, and creative, highly colorful costumes, they show the happiness and joy that characterizes the Colombian-Caribbean culture.

Joselito se va con la ceniza (The Death of Joselito): This event symbolizes the culmination of the party. Different groups take part, and during it, lively ‘widows’ cry for the death of Joselito Carnaval, an invented character who represents the carnival spirit that is needed to enjoy these four festival days.

Some of the more traditional costumes worn in these parades are the “marimond”, "scribble", "congo" and “monocuco”. Other elements of the Barranquilla Carnival are the masks. The most characteristic are the bull, the gorilla, the tiger and the black and white donkey, among others.

This article was originally written in English