For Colombia to culturally manifest its rich folkloric heritage to the world. Its colorful music and majestic beauty make it an event unlike any other

The Carnival of Barranquilla Is one of the Colombia’s most important FOLKLORIC celebrations, and one of the biggest carnivals in the world. The carnival has traditions that date back to the 19th century. Forty days before Holy Week, Barranquilla decks itself out to receive national and foreign tourists and joins together with the city’s inhabitants to enjoy four days of intense festivities. During the carnival, Barranquilla’s normal activities are paralyzed because the city gets busy with street dances, musical and masquerade parades. Barranquilla’s Carnival includes dances such as the Spanish Paloteo, African Congo, and more. Many styles of Colombian music are also performed, most prominently cumbia, and instruments include drums and wind ensembles. The Carnival of Barranquilla was proclaimed a Cultural Masterpiece of the Nation by Colombia’s National Congress in 2002. Also the UNESCO, in Paris on November 7, 2003, declared it one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Carnival starts on the Saturday before the Ash Wednesday with the Battle of the Flowers (La Batalla de Flores), which is considered one of the main activities. Then, The Great Parade (La Gran Parada) on Sunday and Monday is the third day of Carnival. The two most important events carried out on Monday are: The Great Fantasy Parade and the Orchestras Festival with Caribbean and Latin bands. Tuesday signals the end of the carnival, announced by the burial of Joselito Carnaval, who is mourned by everyone. Barranquilla Carnival has been claimed to be the second largest carnival in the word, surpassed only by Rio de Janeiro. Barranquilla’s Carnival slogan is: Those who live it are those who enjoy it ( Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza).

Tampa Bay Carnaval de Barranquilla, it is a non-profit organization constituted on July 14, 2007 aiming at fortifying and preserving the culture and folklore of Colombia likewise it serves to help less fortunate Hispanic children.  Tampa Florida participate in the Carnival and we look  forward to continues doing this.