
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.

All in —
Barranquilla's carnival kicked off with the Batalla de Flores parade, which drew a 600,000-strong crowd this year.

African elements —
A dancer waves his arms into crescendo during the Mapale, a frenetic African dance. Indigenous and African cultures are emphasized in Barranquillo.

Big Carib —
The carnival "shares common sentiments in joy, music and awareness of the Caribbean self," say organizers.

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.

Local tradition —
One of the more controversial characters of the Carnaval is the "Son de Negro," a figure of liberation, according to local tradition.

Crowd pleasing —
Barranquilla attracts 1.5 million revelers throughout the carnival's duration, according to Carla Celia, director of the Carnaval de Barranquilla.

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.
