Blacks and Whites' Carnival

Blacks and Whites' Carnival is a major cultural festival held annually from 2 to 7 January in Pasto, Colombia. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, it brings together indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions in a week of parades, music, and playful rituals.

• Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Celebrated annually from 2 to 7 January in Pasto, Colombia
• Features parades, giant floats, and face-painting rituals
• Blends indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions
• The Castañeda Family parade opens the festivities

What it is

Blacks and Whites' Carnival is a lively celebration rooted in the city of Pasto, Colombia, and now embraced across the Nariño region. The festival stands out for its unique blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, reflected in its rituals and joyful atmosphere. It is a time when social boundaries are playfully blurred, and communities come together to honor both their ancestral past and shared present. The Carnival is famous for its colorful parades, elaborate floats, and the tradition of painting faces black and white, symbolizing unity and equality among all participants.

Where it comes from

The festival dates back to 1546 and grew from the convergence of Andean, Amazonian, and Pacific cultures. Its timing is linked to indigenous lunar celebrations and agrarian rituals, later merging with Spanish colonial customs and Catholic feast days. The tradition of giving a day of freedom to enslaved people on 5 January, following a 1607 rebellion, became central to the Carnival's meaning. Over centuries, the event evolved, incorporating masquerades, music, and the symbolic games of 'Negros' and 'Blancos', reflecting both resistance and joyful coexistence.

How it is celebrated

The Carnival unfolds over six days, each with its own character. Festivities begin with the parade of the Castañeda Family, a playful and theatrical procession that sets the tone for the week. The following days feature the 'game of Blacks' on 5 January, when people paint their faces black in solidarity with Afro-Colombian heritage, and 'Whites' Day' on 6 January, when everyone powders their faces white, celebrating unity and friendship. The streets fill with music, dance, and the spectacle of giant floats—many crafted from papier-mâché—depicting fantastical figures and local legends. The festival is marked by a spirit of inclusion, creativity, and communal joy.

Joining in

To experience the Carnival, head to Pasto in early January, where the main events take over the city’s streets and plazas. Visitors can join the crowds in painting their faces, watch the grand parades, and enjoy the vibrant music and street performances. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, with locals eager to share the meaning and traditions of the festival. Comfortable shoes and a sense of play are recommended, as the celebrations are lively and interactive.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Blacks and Whites' Carnival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Blacks and Whites' Carnival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural HeritageArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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