- Desfile Magno (Great Parade, January 6): The biggest day, with dozens of floats and comparsas winding through Pasto’s center. Floats are papier-mâché and sculpted by hand over months, many standing several stories tall, mixing Andean myth with political satire.
- Día de los Negros (January 5): Everyone smears black paint or cosmetics on faces and bodies, a tradition tied to a historic day when enslaved people were granted a day of freedom. Join in; watching from a doorway misses the point.
- Día de los Blancos (January 6): White talcum and foam fly everywhere, and the whole city turns pale. Wear old clothes, protect your camera, and carry glasses or goggles for your eyes.
- Carnavalito: The children’s parade of miniature floats opens the main program, with local music and costumed groups. They are
- Desfile Magno (Great Parade, January 6): The biggest day, with dozens of floats and comparsas winding through Pasto’s center. Floats are papier-mâché and sculpted by hand over months, many standing several stories tall, mixing Andean myth with political satire.
- Día de los Negros (January 5): Everyone smears black paint or cosmetics on faces and bodies, a tradition tied to a historic day when enslaved people were granted a day of freedom. Join in; watching from a doorway misses the point.
- Día de los Blancos (January 6): White talcum and foam fly everywhere, and the whole city turns pale. Wear old clothes, protect your camera, and carry glasses or goggles for your eyes.
- Carnavalito: The children’s parade of miniature floats opens the main program, with local music and costumed groups. They are far calmer than the main days and a good way to understand the traditions.
- Canto a la Tierra (January 3): Hundreds of dancers in elaborate costumes move through the streets in choreographed groups, supported by Andean flutes, drums and brass. The detail in headdresses and masks makes this the best photography subject of the festival.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.