Colombia: Pasto’s Blacks and Whites Carnival celebrates peace and diversity - Video
Locals and tourists gathered in Pasto, southern Colombia, to mark the grand finale of the traditional Blacks and Whites Carnival parade.
The colourful event, which happened on January 6, featured flour and foam-filled celebrations, with grand floats parading through the streets, each telling a unique story.
A standout float this year was the "peace carriage," created by victims of Colombia's armed conflict and signatories of the nation’s peace agreement. The float served as a symbol of hope and reconciliation for the country.
Diana Huila, a victim of the armed conflict, expressed her sentiments: “This is a wonderful opportunity that allowed us to create this peace float. Through collaboration between the victims, peace signatories, and the public force, a meaningful effort took place, offering the world an example that peace can indeed be built.”
Carmen Santacruz, a peace agreement signatory, highlighted the importance of moving forward: “I feel very happy because we cannot live our entire lives hating each other; we have to continue building a social fabric, and this is a small step in that direction. Today, it bears fruit, and that fruit is this float.”
Tourists were equally captivated by the event. Rafael Puente, visiting from another part of Colombia, shared his enthusiasm: “Spectacular, it’s my first time here. I’ve attended all the carnivals in Colombia, and this is the last one, but it seems like the best.”
Rooted in a blend of Andean, Amazonian, and Pacific cultural traditions, the Blacks and Whites Carnival celebrates the region's ethnic diversity. In recognition of its cultural significance, UNESCO proclaimed it an intangible cultural heritage in 2009.
