When is the Black and White Carnival 2024?
The Black and White Carnival begins on January 2 – 7 January in Pasto, Colombia. However, there are some pre-carnival celebrations that take place on December 28 and 30.
Where is the Black and White Carnival?
The Black and White Carnival is celebrated every year in the Andean city of Pasto, the colonial capital of the Narino State, located in southwestern Colombia. This tiny town which most people have never heard of, every year during carnival, attracts people from all over the world.
What is the Black and White Carnival?
Carnaval de Negros y Blancos in Colombia, which is known as The Black and White Carnival in English is a beautiful mixed celebration of Andean, African and Spanish culture and traditions. The Black and White Carnival is so unique that it has even been recognized by UNESCO as being a “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”!
The Black and White Carnival is one of the most ancient carnivals in America and its traditions stem from ancient Indigenous rituals that used to be performed by the native people who would at harvest time perform indigenous dances dedicated to the sun and the moon, asking for protection for their crops.
When the Spanish colonizers arrived, these ancient ancestral celebrations merged together with Spanish culture. Furthermore, the carnival commemorated when African Slaves were given a day off work and would celebrate. All these cultures mixed together creating this wonderful carnival celebration. Today 10,000 people participate and 300,000 people come to celebrate this carnival.
Take a Tour at the Black and White Carnival
What is the history of the Black and White Carnival?
Travelling back a few hundred centuries to 1604 there was an uprising of the African Slaves who demanded to have one day off work to be able to rest and truly be free. The Spanish troops fearing even greater revolts allowed them this day of rest.
The 5th January was declared a day off that was dedicated entirely to people of color. The local black population took to the streets dancing to tribal music. They also began to paint the white walls of the city black.
Skipping forward a few centuries to 1912 the modern version of this carnival was established after a joke between friends. One friend took powder and scattered the powder all over the room whilst shouting “vivo los blanquitos!”
The joke continued onto the streets with all the friends running around throwing white powder at each other. When a crowd of people nearby began to exit a parish, they to became victims of a flour bomb whilst the friends shouted “long live blacks and long live white people!” This phrase is the famous phrase which the official carnival celebrations took their name from.
How do they celebrate the Black and White Carnival?
The Black and White Carnival consists of six amazing days when the whole city unites for one epic party. There are parades, parties, costumes, floats and all the normal carnival things. However it is famous for its unique traditions.
This includes taking to the streets and covering each other with foam, flour and talcum powder on one day and black paint and charcoal on another day. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites is one crazy, messy and fun way to kick off the new year!
Black and White Carnival Program
Carnival consists of four main days of celebrations when the entire city is consumed with carnival fever.
Pre-Carnival – December 28th
On the 28th of December the party starts with a huge water fight. Literally the entire city of Pasto goes out onto the street and participates in a giant water fight. They bring all their ammunition, water guns, water bottles, hoses, water balloons and whatever else one can get their hands on. The aim of the game is to get as many people as possible soaking wet.
Children’s Carnival – January 3rd
Why should adults have all the fun? The Black and White Children’s Carnival is a miniature version of the adults carnival. The day is dedicated to families and is all about getting the next generation excited and involved in carnival.
The Parade of the Castaneda Family – January 4th
The Parade of the Castaneda Family kicks off the official carnival. This procession has been occurring ever since 1928 and gets its name from a family who came into town to watch a Horse Parade. The family, which consisted of numerous kids, arrived with all their pigs and sheep.
The father of the family began waving to the crowd that had gathered to watch the Horse Parade and shouted “Viva La Familia Castañeda!”. The parade of this family became institutionalized as an official part of carnival.
Today in commemoration of that day, the local people of Pasto dress up in period costumes, transporting the city back in time. There are also carnival groups who perform the peasant dance which is a traditional and well-known style of dance.
The Day of the Blacks – January 5th
January 5th is still to this day all about commemorating the African Slaves who had to fight to win this day of freedom. To honor them everyone paints their bodies head to toe in black and shouts “Long live the Blacks!” Painting yourself in black is done to show there is no distinction between races.
The Day of the Whites – January 6th
The Day of the Whites is when the color changes. Today everyone covers themselves head to toe in talcum powder, flower or shaving creams. There is also an artistic procession that demonstrates the creativity of the local Pasto Artisans. The parade runs for 7km through the Pasto city center and the crowds shout “Long Live the Whites!”
The Day of the Guinea Pig – January 7
The last day of carnival is known as the “Day of the Guinea Pig” and this is where they celebrate one of the most important regional dishes – Nariño. The region’s gastronomy is put on full display with a Guinea Pig and Farmers Festival. The carnival also ends with a closed march.
Accommodation for the Black and White Carnival
There are plenty of accommodation options near the Black and White Carnival celebrations which mainly occur in the city center. Accommodation is pretty affordable because this celebration is mainly attended by Colombians and other South American communities. You must book in advance to get the best prices.
Here are some accommodation options close to the Black and White Carnival:
Check out Booking.com for plenty of Pasto accommodation deals here.
Take a Tour
Why not go on a Tour dedicated to the Black and White Carnival. For seven days you will see all the parades, events and some sightseeing with your local guide.
Tour to the Carnival of Blacks and Whites of Pasto 7 days
Check out Viators Top Tours in Colombia
Book your Hotel and Flight for the Black and White Pasto Carnival
How to get to the Black and White Carnival?
There are several ways to get to Pasto, but the best option is by booking a flight to the Antonio Nariño airport which is 30 kms from Pasto. There are also connecting flights to two other airports that are 84 and 300 kms respectively.
Colombia has excellent transportation with 37 bus companies that transport around 8000 people throughout the entire area daily. The ease of getting to the Black and White Carnival is guaranteed.
Tips to enjoy the Black and White Carnival
Some handy tips to enjoy the Black and White Carnival to the fullest include:
- Definitely buy your parade seat tickets in advance so that you can get the best views of the parade, as they sell out quickly and you don’t want to fight for a spot to view the parade with the rest of the crowds
- Book your flight and hotel as early as possible to ensure best price and availability options.
- Definitely brings some clothes that you won’t want to wear again because they will most likely be pretty dirty and damaged after this carnival
- Wear comfortable shoes! You will not only be walking all day but also dancing!
- Wear some cyclist glasses because they will protect your eyes from getting talcum powder, flour or some other substance in them. A bad reaction in your eyes could spoil your trip!
Is Pasto Safe?
For the most part you shouldn’t have any problems. But the more remote areas of Colombia can be slightly dubious at times. During carnival there is an increased police and security presence. But be aware of pickpockets! Especially during carnival when there are big crowds and it is easier to get your stuff stolen. So be aware of your valuables at all times or even leave them back at your hotel and only bring some cash with you.
