I was particularly thrilled with the privately planned photo tour of Columbia (March 2025) because  the itinerary included a couple of days at the Carnaval in Barranquilla, billed as second largest in the world. I had never been to one of these famous festivals held around the  world just before Lent. 

 Originally a Pagan festival celebrating the end of winter and the coming of spring, it has morphed into a festival celebrated around the world with religious, cultural and historic influences. 

It’s a celebration of freedom, of community, of religion, of culture and of the expression of joy. 

I saw the Carnaval in a very different way than the typical tourist would. We didn’t sit in grand stands watching the parades or attend the many  private events held across the city. 

Instead our photography leader acquired Press Passes for us so we were able to meander behind the lines, photographing the groups and floats as they lined up and made their way to the grandstand area.  

We were able to photograph people who loved being captured on camera. I think they thought they’d show up in some a foreign magazine or hot shot web site. 

I particularly loved attending a neighborhood parade where I felt like part of the group as I made my way down the street. I  mixed with  the many dancers ranging from the ones doing traditional folk  dances and to those who were much more “out there.”  

The dances were typically based on the Samba, taught to children from a very early age. 

One morning we visited a group getting dressed and applying make up  with members proudly showing off the costumes.

We meandered a neighborhood where a group was gathering after a parade. Notice the lady with her skirts up around her legs. It was very hot. 

 This group was particularly amusing. The three ladies and the gentleman posed for us rather provocatively until the wife showed up and snatched him from the scene. Hmmm. That conversation over dinner was probably interesting. 

I loved the  shoes. I probably captured 30 images of shoes/boots and various footwear. I suppose it could be a subject for its own blog, but you might enjoy these.  

Not sure what to say about these photos. Capturing the scene. Your thoughts?

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