Barranquilla is South America’s ‘other’ carnival – so party in Colombia

By Justin Calderon, for CNN
2 minute read
Updated 7:49 PM EST, Mon February 8, 2016
The coastal Colombian city of Barranquilla hosts what organizers claim is the world's second-largest carnival celebration, behind Rio de Janeiro. The celebration runs February 6-9 this year.
The carnival you don't know —
The coastal Colombian city of Barranquilla hosts what organizers claim is the world's second-largest carnival celebration, behind Rio de Janeiro. The celebration runs February 6-9 this year.
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Barranquilla's carnival kicked off with the Batalla de Flores parade, which drew a 600,000-strong crowd this year.
All in —
Barranquilla's carnival kicked off with the Batalla de Flores parade, which drew a 600,000-strong crowd this year.
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A dancer waves his arms into crescendo during the Mapale, a frenetic African dance. Indigenous and African cultures are emphasized in Barranquillo.
African elements —
A dancer waves his arms into crescendo during the Mapale, a frenetic African dance. Indigenous and African cultures are emphasized in Barranquillo.
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The carnival "shares common sentiments in joy, music and awareness of the Caribbean self," say organizers.
Big Carib —
The carnival "shares common sentiments in joy, music and awareness of the Caribbean self," say organizers.
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Scanty costumes and vibrant colors are part of carnival festivities the world over. In Barranquilla, carnival also has a distinctly Caribbean flavor.
What would Carnaval be without ... —
Scanty costumes and vibrant colors are part of carnival festivities the world over. In Barranquilla, carnival also has a distinctly Caribbean flavor.
Justin Calderon for CNN
One of the more controversial characters of the Carnaval is the "Son de Negro," a figure of liberation, according to local tradition.
Local tradition —
One of the more controversial characters of the Carnaval is the "Son de Negro," a figure of liberation, according to local tradition.
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Barranquilla attracts 1.5 million revelers throughout the carnival's duration, according to Carla Celia, director of the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
Crowd pleasing —
Barranquilla attracts 1.5 million revelers throughout the carnival's duration, according to Carla Celia, director of the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
Justin Calderon for CNN
"It's great to see all types of Colombian people come together," says Saskia Werner of the Netherlands (left), who attended with friend Lieke Prins.
International appeal —
"It's great to see all types of Colombian people come together," says Saskia Werner of the Netherlands (left), who attended with friend Lieke Prins.
Justin Calderon for CNN