Colombia: Carnival of Blacks and Whites

Tuesday 07 January 2014 17:48 GMT

A group of people participates in a parade during the celebration of the Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

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1/12In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

A group of people participates in a parade during the celebration of the Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

The carnivals runs from 2 to 7 January every year

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

People with colored faces grimace in a parade during the celebration of the Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

The 3 day festival is primarily a celebration of the rich cultural diversity of the region, a mixture of European, African and Indigenous people

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

Most of the floats and costumes are based on mythological figures and have history much older than the Spanish rule. The Grand Parade led by the Carnival Queen takes place on this day for which many tourists hustle themselves onto a float

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

The Blacks and Whites Carnival is the most important celebration in southern Colombia and it was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Unesco

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

The event culminates with an award ceremony in which desirable prizes are given for the best floats, costumes and dance groups

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

Pasto’s Carnival of Black’s and White’s is an exceptionally creative and colorful event. Its roots date back to the time of Spanish rule, when one day African slaves were permitted to party and in good spirit the slave’s masters painted their faces black

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

Pasto’s Carnival of Black’s and White’s is one of the oldest festivals in South America and certainly one of the liveliest. The local people of this region are remarkably friendly and are known to welcome foreigners with open arms

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

Revelers play with foam and talc during the 'White Day' parade in the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

The festival reaches its peak on the 'Whites Day' day as freshly cleaned carnival goers re-stock their arsenals with white silicon paint, foam, flour and talcum powder

In pictures: Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Colombia

Colombia

The Grand Parade led by the Carnival Queen takes place on this day for which many tourists hustle themselves onto a float

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