The poster for the 2011 carnival that begins on March 5th shows the slogan “¡Quién lo vive es quién lo goza!” which translated means “Who lives it, is who enjoys it!” - so book your tickets now!
A photograph of the very pretty Marcela Dávila Márquez, the queen of this year’s “Carnaval de Barranquilla”.
Security at the 2011 pre-carnival and carnival will be ensured by 4,000 men and women from the national police service. They will work together with the civil defence force and the red cross and aim to allow everyone to enjoy the carnival in a safe and secure environment.
Ana Beatriz Villamizar, a 21 year old from Bogota has been named queen of the carnival party taking place on the 23rd of October 2010 in the Colombian capital. With parents from Barranquilla, the carnival “spirit and culture run through my veins” she said. “My passion is dancing and that comes from my father who is an excellent dancer. I love Cumbia and Mapale, and also the history behind each rhythm - where it comes from and what it represents,” said Ana who is currently in her sixth semester of studies at the University of Rosario.
A first look at Marcela Dávila Marquez, queen of Carnival Barranquilla 2011.
Giselle Lacouture, queen of the carnival 2010, is leading a campaign to help victims who have lost their homes due to flooding. You can follow Gisselle on Twitter at twitter@giselacouture or on Facebook by joining the group “Gisselle Lacouture Reina del Carnaval 2010”.
12 delegates from countries across Central America and the Carribean arrived in Colombia last week to learn more about the running of the carnival. The guests were fascinated by the music, dancing and culture - so much so that they put down their cameras and telephones to join in and dance to the rhythm of the mapalé (see photo).
420 Plays
To celebrate the start of the pre-carnival here is a traditional Vallenato song, a musical style originating from Colombia’s Carribean coast. The song is called I Want To See You Smile and is sung by Carlos Vives.
A comprehensive list of Barranquilla hotels and contacts (in French but the list of hotel names/contacts is universal). Thanks to Darloup for compiling this!
2010 Pre Carnival Program - Part 1
Starting things off at 8pm Saturday 16th January 2010 is the “Reading of the Declaration” where the carnival queen officially opens Carnaval de Barranquilla after the symbolic handing over of the keys to Barranquilla by the city mayor.
The week after at 6pm Saturday on 23rd January 2010 we have the “Party of the Dancers” at the Romelio Martinez Stadium. This is designed as a showcase for talented new dance groups - both traditional and modern - who will put on a show demonstrating their creativity.
On Sunday 24th January 2010 at 11 am we have the “Party of Danzas and Cumbias” – two traditional Colombian dances – again at the Romelio Martinez Stadium. This is a popular carnival event where the groups at the heart of the party show their cultural identity through dance.
On Friday 29th January 2010 at 8pm, yet again at the Romelio Martinez Stadium, we have “The coronation of the Carnival Queen”. Following tradition, the carnival queen is crowned in front of her city amongst a show of traditional music where she shows her artistic skills.
“Guacherna” is the next event, taking place on 5th February 2010 at 6pm on Calle 72 con Carrera 44. This is the first parade of the carnival and is used as an appetizer of things to come, featuring dances, costumes, lights and lanterns.
