Spray paint, powder, cream, and flour used to "whiten" passersby—Colombia’s Black and White Carnival is ultra-exciting

▲ Colombia’s annual early-year Black and White Carnival originates from Spanish tradition. (Photo / IC)

By / Hully
One of the world’s oldest carnivals and a UNESCO World Heritage event, Colombia’s “Black and White Carnival” is set to conclude on the 11th. This nationwide celebration kicks off each year with an end-of-year “Water Carnival” as a warm-up, followed by the wildly creative Children’s Carnival to amp up the atmosphere, and finally culminates with the Black and White Carnival as the grand finale, marking a joyful and lively welcome to the new year.

▲ Participants in the Black and White Carnival wear masks and face paint, symbolizing ethnic unity in a festive atmosphere. (Photo / IC)

The Black and White Carnival has its roots in Spanish tradition. During the Spanish colonial period, slaves were required to paint their faces black to attend the festivities. Over time, this evolved into the current practice where, during the final two days of the carnival, people of different ethnicities first apply black makeup, then switch to white the next day—or use spray paint, powder, cream, and flour to “whiten” passersby—as symbols of cultural equality and ethnic harmony.

The Carnival’s Castañeda Family Parade is also one of the most anticipated events. Legend has it that the Castañeda family was invited by local residents to visit in 1928, so participants dress in retro attire, wearing clothes from the early 20th century as they parade through the streets.

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