Troy Snyder | Carnaval de Negros y Blancos
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Transcript of Troy Snyder | Carnaval de Negros y Blancos
Carnaval de Negros y Blancos or (Carnival of
Blacks and Whites) is one of the largest and oldest
celebrations in Colombia, specifically in the southern
city of Pasto. The celebration is a five day affair which begins on
January 2nd and ends on the 7th, attracting
thousands of locals and tourists alike.
In 2009, due to it’s popularity and growth,
the Carnival was awarded the
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity award by United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization.
The parade’s origins trace back in the early 1900s, where colonies and people of
different backgrounds met and interacted in the city of Pasto. This carnival is a display of
different cultures and infusions of people coming together
after years of living together and exchanging traditions for
centuries to come. Some notable influences are of
Indian, African and Spanish cultural rituals.
The five day carnival is comprised of four
unique stages- of them being the Pre-carnival, the Carnavalito, The
Parade of the Castañeda Family, El Día de los Negros and
finally El Día de los Blancos.
1. The Pre-Carnival is considered the kick off event of the five day affair, and during this time people “get wet”,
and anyone who participates can walk
around with instruments and carts filled with
water to contribute to the sole purpose of the day,
being wet.
2. The Caravalito is dedicated to
showcasing the creative and
musical talents of children between the ages of 6 and
14, around all regions.
3.The Parade of the Castañeda Family is a monumental parade where people dress up
in traditional costumes and walk
around in the streets of the city, this is prior to the break out of a
large party in the main part of the city.
4. El Día de los Negros begins on January 5th and all willing participants,
receive “pinticas” which is black cosmetics
applied to the face, arms and other body
parts. This is meant to recognize that there are no differences between
races or classes.