UNITED NATIONS TO HOST CARNAVAL DE BARRANQUILLA: AN AFTERNOON OF TRADITIONAL COLOMBIAN DANCE, MUSIC

Note to Correspondents

UNITED NATIONS TO HOST CARNAVAL DE BARRANQUILLA :  AN AFTERNOON

OF TRADITIONAL COLOMBIAN DANCE, MUSIC

In the context of the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations and the Department of Public Information (DPI) will host Carnaval de Barranquilla, a unique cultural repertory of dances and musical performances on Thursday, 6 October, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. at the United Nations Plaza at the 46th Street Visitors’ Entrance.

Carnaval de Barranquilla traces its origins from the Colombian city of Barranquilla.  Each year, during the last four days before the Lenten season, the city’s distinct cultural traditions commingle in the Carnaval with drum ensembles and groups playing a variety of wind instruments.  They are joined by dancers and musicians in colourful traditional dress who base their performances on historical, as well as current, events.

Carnaval de Barranquilla received wide media attention both nationally and internationally, and the publicity generated economic benefits for many low-income families.  However, the growing commercialization also constituted a potential threat to the survival of many traditional expressions the Carnaval showcases.  Eager to protect this time-honoured celebration, the Colombian Government proclaimed Carnaval de Barranquilla a National Cultural Heritage in 2001.  Two years later, in 2003, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the Carnaval as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.  The preservation of these “masterpieces” will safeguard, transmit and revitalize a heritage that is passed on from generation to generation.

The event is free of charge and is open to the public.  The public should arrive early to pass through security in order to enter the plaza.

For more information, please contact:  Pedro Agustin Roa Arboleda, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations, telephone: 1-212-355-7776, e-mail: proa@colombiaun.org; or Vikram Sura, Associate Officer, Special Projects Unit, Outreach Division, Department of Public Information, telephone: 1-212-963-8274, e-mail: sura@un.org.

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For information media • not an official record