Carnivals in Colombia
Introduced by the Spanish, the Carnival in Colombia has in corporated elements of European cultures and has managed to synthesize and Reinterpreting traditions that belonged to the African cultures and indigenous peoples of Colombia. There is evidence to show that Carnival already existed in the country in the EIGHTEENTH century and that it caused concern to the authorities
Those who banned the celebrations in the main centers of colonial power like Cartagena, Bogotá and Popayán. The Carnival therefore had to continue its evolution and reinterpretation in the villages and towns of little importance at that time Importance at that time and where the celebrations did not offended the ruling elites. The result was the continuous celebration of carnivalfestivals in Barranquilla and other populations along the Magdalena River, as well as in pasture
Those who banned the celebrations in the main centers of colonial power like Cartagena, Bogotá and Popayán. The Carnival therefore had to continue its evolution and reinterpretation in the villages and towns of little importance at that time Importance at that time and where the celebrations did not offended the ruling elites. The result was the continuous celebration of carnivalfestivals in Barranquilla and other populations along the Magdalena River, as well as in pasture
Carnival on the Caribbean coast |
This type of festivities was brought to the new continent by the Spaniards and Portuguese. Barranquilla's Carnival celebrations date back to the EIGHTEENTH century, its origins are unknown. One of its possible origins are the Fiestas de Cartagena introduced by the Spaniards between 1600 and 1700, although there are evidences since the decade of 1540. Barranquilla's carnival has been officially held since 1876, but it has been celebratedsince years ago. The Barranquillero carnival reflects the patterns of migration from rural areas to the city and a city in constant formation.
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Carnival in the lower Magdalena
The Carnival of Riosucio in Caldas is perhaps one of the most authentic carnivals. It is officially held since the year1847, When the union of the Quiebralomo and mountain populations became effective. It began as a celebration of the feast of the Magi that the people of Quiebralomo already carried out since the SIXTEENTH century and in which European traditions were mixed and African. In this carnival are collected indigenous elements like the cult of the earth symbolized in Guarapo and the Calabazo Where it was kept, as well as the cult of the Sun,invoked in the feline factions of the jaguar, a sacred animal that Symbolized the Astro King. This symbol has been perpetuated in the effigies of the devil of the carnival.
Carnival in the south of ColombiaCarnival in central Colombia |
A fairly traditional carnival, peculiar and important is the Carnival of blacks and whites of grass, declared patrimony Culture of the nation in 2001 by the Congress of Colombia and Intangible Cultural heritage of humanity by Unesco in September 2009. It is one of the oldest festivities in the southern region of Colombia, whose modern version dates back around 1912 and It celebrates each year in the city of Pasto, between3 January and January 7,coinciding with the Catholic Epiphany, which gives a Special character, since the majority of Carnestoléndicas celebrations at the global level are in the days leading up to the Beginning of Lent.
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The carnival came to the capital of Colombia in modern times. The celebration of the first carnival in Bogotá dates back to the year 1916 and began as a carnival Name as real name, that's how she called herself Elvira I.The Carnival Queen was responsible for the inaugurationceremonies of the celebrations Of Carnival. In the years that happened the carnival grew innumber of groups and beauty queens. During the 30s, The national government and the mayor's office of Bogotá suspended the carnival due to disorders caused by alcoholconsumption. An attempt to reopen the carnival in the year 1960 failed alsodue to problems of alcohol and violence.