Carnaval de Negros y Blancos

Locals paint their faces black one day and white the next. These are the two principal days of the Blacks and Whites Carnival, which since 2009 is part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. The celebrations, which take place from the 2nd to the 7th of January, are famous for giant figures made by local artisans walking through the streets of the city.

Held in Pasto, Colombia, the festival of Blacks and Whites (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos) is a celebrations that lies between history, tradition, music, equality, and color. It is divided between pre-carnival from December 28th to 31st and carnival, which takes place from January 2nd to January 6th each year. This festival tells the history of Colombia, indigenous traditions, slavery, and independence.

The origin of this celebration dates back to the celebrations held by indigenous groups in this region to give thanks for the harvests. Little by little, elements of Spanish and African fairs and festivals were adopted due to the close contact with these cultures.

This event is known as the only carnival with purely indigenous roots, created thanks to the cultural fusions after Independence.