Very little is known about exactly how and why this carnival began, but one thing that’s for sure is the carnival has always represented fun and vitality.
There are many theories as to the origin of this carnival; the most popular belief is that the carnival is the welcoming of spring and a celebration of birth and renewal. The carnival originates from a combination of pagan ceremonies, catholic beliefs and ethnic diversity and is a mixture of the European, African and Indian traditions, dances and music. It was at first a holiday for slaves, and grew to be a celebration of the region.
Although the time of the carnivals beginnings cannot be pin pointed, local beliefs date it back three centuries and it is confirmed that a great deal of the traditions were brought to America by the Spanish and Portuguese. The first notable date in the Carnivals history is the year 1888 when a figure known as King Momo appeared and so the documented history of the Carnival begins. Shortly after this time in 1903 the first known battle of the flowers is recorded, apparently to recover long lost carnival tradition. Fifteen years later a Queen was chosen to preside over the festivities of the carnival and in 1923 the Carnival was institutionalised. In the years that followed the carnival grew and so did the traditions, including the integration of the great parade.
The year 2002 represents a great milestone for the Carnival of Barranquilla it is declared by the Senate of the Republic National Culture Heritage. Following shortly afterwards in the year 2003 Carnival of Barranquilla is declared by UNESCO a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
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