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With statements calling the Barranquilla Carnival a source of "national pride" and an "example of Colombia's cultural fusion," newspapers and magazines from Europe and the Americas are inviting their readers to participate in one of Colombia's most important festivities, which was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Major publications from Spain and Latin America have showcased the carnival's color and gaiety. The festivities will formally commence on February 9 with the traditional Battle of the Flowers.
The increased expectations in the press about the 2013 Carnival is due to everything that will be put on display this year, including the recent designation of Barranquilla, the capital city of the department of Atlantico, as the American Capital of Culture.
For four days, and until "Joselito leaves with the ashes," the city will be bustling, and with more reason now that it has been declared the American Capital of Culture," read the pages of the Spanish newspaper El País when describing the festive atmosphere in "Curramba la bella" (Curramba the beautiful) a few days before the festivities get underway. Read the entire article here.
The article is titled "Quien lo vive es quien lo goza" (He who experiences it, enjoys it), and it takes the readers on a tour of the city's tourist attractions associated with one of the most important events in Colombia, including the House of Carnival, the Romelio Martinez Stadium and Plaza San Nicolas.
According to the publication, these sites are used as the stage for many of the Carnival's activities and are part of the city's rich cultural tapestry that earned Barranquilla the distinction which was held by Quito, Ecuador (2011) and Sao Luis, Brazil (2012).
The Brazilian magazine Do Viajem reported that some of the cultural elements present at the festivity include "the rhythm of the cumbia, the taste of rum and famous characters with strange-sounding names." Their permanence over time gives an account of the "respect for tradition and the culture of preservation." Read the entire article here.
In its digital version, the specialized publication described that the events held during the weekend of the popular celebration are repeated almost daily during the week and they spread the joy of their dances, songs and colorful attire to Colombian and international participants alike.
"More than a tourist attraction, the festival (referring to the Barranquilla Carnival) is a source of national pride," added the Brazilian magazine in its article, which is accompanied by photographs of the parades and of the carnival's major characters, including Marimonda, Monocuco and Joselito Carnaval.
According to Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of PROCOLOMBIA, the entity in charge of promoting Colombian tourism abroad, these publications reflect the "growing interest in cultural tourism not only by travelers, but by the media as well. Colombia has a lot to offer in this area, and Barranquilla's Carnival is a star, which is why we are promoting it in Asian and European markets."
Barranquilla's Carnival is one of the cultural tourism products that PROCOLOMBIA promotes in at least twenty countries. In Asia: China and Japan in Europe: Germany, France and the United Kingdom in Oceania: Australia and in the Americas: the United States, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Puerto Rico, to name a few.
Studies about consumer trends in tourism for these locations indicate that travelers prefer to spend their vacation visiting destinations where they can learn about the local culture. In fact, some travelers plan their trips around a calendar of events, such as fairs and festivals in Colombia's case.
The Bicentennial
The commemoration of the 200 years since Barranquilla was founded is why the regional media, which traditionally report Carnival activities, are focusing all their attention on this year's celebration.
According to the Barranquilla Carnival Foundation and City Hall, which are involved in organizing the event, the theme of the celebration will be a recognition of the patriotism, love and devotion that the citizens of Barranquilla contributed to Colombia's independence in 1810.
Mexico's newspaper, El Universal, published that, "Characters, dances, floats and carnival groups will be part of this celebration that honors the history and culture of the city which is also known as Colombia's Golden Gateway." Read the entire article here.
On its internet portal, the newspaper particularly emphasized the roots of the metropolis and the festivity, which it called the "best example of the European, African and indigenous cultural fusion" that occurred in this South American country during the 19th century.
