The 2026 edition of the Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Flower Parade, a foundational milestone of the festival. This tribute aims to restore respect for traditions and safeguard the heritage for future generations, as stated by Corpocarnaval's manager. Scheduled from January 2 to 7, the event will blend historical memory with modern innovations.
The Blacks and Whites Carnival, Pasto's premier festival in Colombia, gears up for a special 2026 edition honoring the 100th anniversary of the Flower Parade, the procession that solidified the event's collective identity. Andrés Jaramillo, Corpocarnaval's manager, views this milestone as a call for civic reflection on heritage preservation: “The commemoration of the 100 years of the Flower Parade is not just a symbolic date; it is an invitation to ask ourselves what our role as citizens is after a century of Carnival and how our actions will ensure its permanence”.
The lineup features tributes in key events, such as the Castañeda Family Parade, focused on the memory of the inaugural collective act, and artistic nods during the Grand Parade on January 6. Jaramillo stresses linking history to progress: “Looking to the past should not remain just in celebration; it must serve to review where we come from and project responsibly toward where we want to go”.
The festival will sustain its balance of tradition and innovation. Customs like the “caress game,” involving a friendly request for a “little dab” of paint, will stay unaltered, alongside new technologies and communication tactics. The Special Safeguard Plan directs these evolutions, shielding core elements. “Our Carnival is a living heritage that constantly transforms; there is no abyss between tradition and innovation, both can walk together,” states Jaramillo.
Routinely, the main Carnival Path stays the same, with minor changes to the Little Carnival, starting at Rumipamba Environmental Park and ending at Libertad Departmental Stadium. Prelude activities kick off on December 28 in neighborhoods and districts, peaking with the Blacks' Game on January 5. Attendance is projected at around 200,000 visitors, driving a $1.2 trillion economic boost in hospitality, dining, and trade.
Sustainability efforts will enhance security, mobility, and environmental protection, including recycling and circular economy programs. Projects like the Sewing Workshop with Sena will outfit 400 journalists, creating economic chances for single mothers. “The Carnival does not only benefit artists; its impact extends to the entire city and multiple economic sectors,” Jaramillo concludes.
