A delegation of 135 artists and 30 musicians from the Barranquilla Carnival participated in the Great Parade of Hispanity, which paraded down Gran Vía in front of more than 400,000 spectators. The Colombian city aims to attract European tourists to its 2027 Carnival.
The Barranquilla Carnival brought its music and colour to the Gran Vía de Madrid this weekend. The Colombian city took part in the Great Parade of Hispanity, a parade that runs along the Madrid artery from Plaza de España to Cibeles and gathered more than 400,000 spectators, according to data released by the organisation, as reported by alternativacaribe.info.
The Barranquilla delegation was led by the Carnival kings, Salwa Maloof Habib and Abraham Cáceres, along with the kings of the Children's Carnival, Isabella Daes and Pedro Fandiño. In total, 135 artists and 30 musicians directed by maestro Tato Marenco paraded with groups such as La Gigantona, Cipote Garabato, Marimondas del Barrio Abajo, Son Calimba, Congo Grande de Barranquilla, Fuerza Negra and the Artistic Corporation Nativos.
The mayor of Barranquilla, Alejandro Char, stated that the goal is to project the city as a tourist destination:
The Barranquilla Carnival is an experience that is lived on another level, and we are bringing a bit of this majesty and cultural richness to Madrid. On the streets of Madrid, our delegation is telling the world that Barranquilla is a city with open doors and arms for everyone to come and experience our tradition, the joy and flavour that make us unique. Barranquilla is on the world map; we are a destination that offers an experience where those who live it are the ones who enjoy it, and everyone is welcome.
The director of Carnival S.A.S, Diana Acosta, also highlighted the international presence:
The Barranquilla Carnival is projected internationally thanks to the leadership and vision of our mayor Alejandro Char, and our city manager, Ana María Aljure, who recognise the folkloric and musical potential of our festival; projecting it as a driver of economic development for the city and its people. This great cultural showcase of the Carnival, within the framework of Hispanity and Shakira's residence in Madrid, is connecting the entire European community with our traditions and roots.
The appointed consul of Colombia in Madrid, Paulina Estrada, welcomed the kings before the event. Participation in the parade is part of Barranquilla's strategy to attract European cultural tourism and promote the Carnival 2027, which will be held in the Colombian city.
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