Carnivals and festivals in Colombia

Carnivals and festivals in Colombia

Colombians are proud of their diversity in traditions and cultural expressions. As one of the countries with the highest count of public holidays, its inhabitants know a lot about parties, celebrations and festivals. In fact, there are plenty of festivals and carnivals every month of the year. However, apart from the worldwide popular Carnival of Barranquilla, here we wanted to mention two other festivals which are just as colourful as any other to everyone in the country of coffee.

For instance, January in Pasto sees the streets light up with vivid parades, singing and dancing. One of the most famous carnivals in

Colombia, the Blacks and Whites Festival was originally to pay tribute to the Moon Goddess, but as time has passed the essence of the festival has changed to include Spanish culture and African feasts. On the first day locals paint their faces black and the next day white. We love this energetic carnival because it respects all the different cultures and races in Colombia.

In our second example, the skies of Villa de Leyva come alive with a rich variety of kites in the month of August when winds blow strong. The festival has kite flying competitions with special categories including home-made kites, giant kites, team kites, highest flying kites and night flights. As you can imagine it is a favourite with children, but adults and teenagers alike enjoy the relaxed friendly atmosphere of this enjoyable festival. This festival is enjoyable, and a great atmosphere.

We know we have missed many other festivals such as the Flower Fair in Medellín, Saint Peter’s Fair or the Fairs in Cali and Manizales, but we hope you visit these and can tell us what your experience was like so you can convince many others to visit.

Taken and adapted from: Ministerio de Educación Nacional Way to go! 7th Grade. Bogotá D.C.

- Colombia Impresión: Panamericana Formas e Impresos S.A. Available online in: www.colombiaaprende.edu.co

Image taken from: https://pixabay.com/es/photos/autos-desfile-feria-colores-2593334/

1- Colombia may be different from other countries because

• A. it has more cultural expressions.

• B. there are more days to rest.

• its people are more experienced

2- Colombian festivals..

• A. happen throughout the year.

• B. A. are usually associated with coffee.

• C- show a similar display of colours.

3. Compared to other festivities, the two described in the text are

• A. more colourful.

• B. the most colourful.

• C- equally colourful.

4. How often do people celebrate the Blacks and Whites festival?

• A. once a year

• B. every month

• C. two days

5- Nowadays, the Blacks and Whites festival

• A. tributes an indigenous goddess.

• B. celebrates multiple cultures.

• C. are celebrated in August.

6- On the second day,

• A. locals don’t paint their faces.

• B. people change the colour on their face.

• C. residents dance with more energy.

7- . Kite competitions in Villa de Leyva

• A. are restricted for tourists.

• B. occur throughout the day.

• C. change categories every day.

8.The kite festival can be enjoyed by

• A. international visitors.

• B. kids under the age of 10.

• C. everyone in the family.

9.. Music is an important part of

• A. Villa de Leyva’s kite festival

• B. The Blacks and Whites festival.

• C. Both festivals.