The Carnival of Barranquilla, also known as Carnaval de Barranquilla in Spanish, is one of the most important folkloric celebrations in Colombia, and one of the biggest carnivals in the world. The traditions associated with the carnival date back to the 19th century.
Many people believe that it marks the arrival of spring and is a celebration of birth and renewal. The carnival is created from pagan ceremonies, Catholic beliefs, and the ethnic diversity of Europe, Africa, and India. It began as a slave holiday and grew into a region-wide celebration. According to local beliefs, the first documented mention of the Carnival is in 1888 when a figure known as King Momo was found in the documented history of the Carnival.
The Carnival de Barranquilla, held during the four days before Lent every year, includes a collection of dances and musical performances from different Colombian subcultures. Since the city of Barranquilla is situated on the Caribbean coast and developed during the colonial period, it has become one of the busiest trading centers in the country, with European, African, and indigenous cultural peoples and peoples converging there.
A typical Carnival begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday (La Batalla de Flores), which is considered one of the main activities. Sunday's Great Parade (La Gran Parada) is marked by a Caribbean and Latin Band Orchestra Festival. In the afternoon on Tuesday, the end of the carnival is announced by the burial of Joselito Carnaval, who is mourned by all.
Various instruments like the tambora and allegre drums, the maraca, and the clave are also featured. Carnival music is played by drum ensembles or by groups playing different wind instruments. There are a lot of handcrafted objects, including floats, costumes, head ornaments, and animal masks. The crowds are delighted by performances by masqueraded dancers, actors, singers, and instrumentalists based on historical events as well as current events. Through mocking speeches and song lyrics, the carnival satirizes contemporary political life and figures.
Since the early twentieth century, Barranquilla's carnival has taken on a professional aspect, received wide media coverage, and has been generating economic benefits for many low-income families. Growing commercialization of the event may also pose a threat to many traditional expressions. As the slogan of Barranquilla's Carnival, “Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza, means those who live it, enjoy it,” however, the joys of the carnival always come to an end.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/carnival-of-barranquilla-00051) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barranquilla%27s_Carnival#La_Guacherna)