Barranquilla, Colombia

Barranquilla, Colombia was a whirlwind experience that I was not prepared for. Before coming here I knew nothing about this place and additionally I had no idea that Barranquilla held the second largest Carnival in South America, next to Rio de Janeiro. We came to Barranquilla specifically for Carnival and left exhausted before it had even ended but boy, was it a party!

We had only learned about the size and importance of Carnival in Barranquilla a couple weeks prior to arriving here and so we basically had to take what was left of accommodations. Let me tell you, it was rough! Rusty bed springs poking out through the mattress that lacked any cushion at all. I don’t consider myself a princess or anything, I will stay in all sort of hostels but this was an Airbnb and well… let’s just say that if you plan to attend something like this, I highly recommend you book in advance.

We were there for 3 days and attended a parade each day. There are normally more than one per day but they are at the same time on different streets so make you check which ones are the best or most worth it. Like I said previously we had very little information and zero experience so we kinda just went with an open mind to experience what we could.

Something huge to keep in mind is that these days are basically like a party which includes lots of drinking, foam spray that people shoot off randomly, flour or corn starch that gets tossed around, hot sun, street food and very little sleep.

1. I had my camera but I had it wrapped in plastic and secured with take because like I said people will throw flour or corn starch and shoot foam spray everywhere so you want to make sure you don’t take or wear anything that can get ruined.

2. Wear plenty of sunscreen and if you are gonna be out for a while bring some extra.

3. Bring plenty of water although you can buy bottles or water & cans of beer just about everywhere but it will get expensive.

4. Be adventurous and try the street food. It was quite delicious and cheap.

5. Get to your parade street early to get a good spot. You can purchase a seat in some shade starting at 10,000 and going up from there depending on the seat itself and location of your bleacher or tent.

Sit back, Relax, Make some new friends, Enjoy the parade and be sure to have a beer.

There are events that happen all around the city after the parades and then of course there are bars and clubs to go dancing at but by far the best experience for me was walking around the neighborhoods post-parade. Lots of locals set up their front yards or their street to sell drinks and street food, they have music playing and people dancing in the street just having a blast. This was the time for me to put my camera away and enjoy myself! It’s important to remember to take in these moments because a camera would never do this experience justice anyway.