Trip Info
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3 - 4 - 5 Stars Hotel
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Ground Transportation
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2.527 m.s.n.m
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From December 28 to January 12
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Available
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Español – ingles – francés – italiano – portugués – alemán
Overview
Celebrated in Pasto, Nariño, Colombia, South America, the Carnival of Blacks and Whites is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This festival is a colorful, artistic celebration of culture, history, and ancestral traditions; a tribute to myths and legends.
The festival begins on December 28, turning the streets of San Juan de Pasto into a living canvas of colors, showcasing free expression for children, youth, and adults alike. Laughter and traditional Pasto humor abound. On December 31, the city bids farewell to the year with satirical, playful figures—handcrafted effigies mocking notable events and personalities of the year. The night culminates in collective rituals of burning these figures, symbolizing renewal and welcoming a hopeful new year.
On January 2, the spotlight is on creativity with “El Carnavalito,” a miniature carnival where children parade with floats, costumes, and performances brimming with imagination. January 3 features a grand multicolored parade celebrating Andean ancestry, traditions, and folklore with over 2,000 actors in vibrant choreographies. January 4 sees the arrival of the iconic Castañeda family, symbolizing multiculturalism, blending humor, folklore, and Catholic faith.
January 5, known as the Day of Blacks, is marked by joy and unity as everyone paints their faces black to honor the freedom of enslaved peoples. The carnival concludes on January 6 with a majestic float parade, showcasing months of artistic dedication. Vibrant floats captivate spectators with their creativity and splendor, making the carnival an unforgettable celebration of art, culture, and community.
Highlights
- Experience a cultural event that goes beyond traditional celebration, where each day offers a unique journey through art, music, and rituals that blend diverse traditions.
- The streets of Pasto become a living canvas, where creativity bursts into colors, humor, and satire, reflecting freedom of expression across all generations.
- The burning of effigies and fireworks not only mark the end of a cycle, but also symbolize renewal—farewell to the negative and a welcome to new beginnings.
- From roaming parades to the grand final procession, the city fills with floats and costumes that showcase the ingenuity and dedication of hundreds of local artists.
- The carnival embraces everyone—from the children’s “Carnavalito” to large-scale spectacles— inviting kids, youth, and adults alike to actively take part in this living tradition.
- Join the festivities with tastings of traditional dishes and local drinks, highlighting the flavors and culinary identity of the Nariño region.
- A manifestation that unites Mestizo, African, Indigenous, Pre-Hispanic, and Colonial influences, offering a deep journey into the very soul of Pastuso cultural identity.
- More than just entertainment, each day invites reflection on identity, history, and tradition, turning the carnival into a transformative experience.
- Music and dance flow through every corner, creating an infectious atmosphere that invites everyone to join in and be carried away by the collective energy.
- Each festive act—from the farewell to the old year to the parades of new beginnings— is a tribute to resilience and the shared hope of the community.
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