El Callao Carnival celebrated eight years as Intangible Heritage of Humanity
Internet
Published at: 01/12/2025 10:53 PM
This Monday, December 1, 2025 marks the eighth anniversary of the declaration of the Carnivals of El Callao as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This festival is celebrated in the state of Bolívar and is characterized by its colorful parades, the rhythm of calypso and characters such as the “Madamas”, who lead the troupes and dazzle with their historic dresses and turbans.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), this holiday as a cultural practice of communities in the state of Bolivar is related to the emancipation celebrations called “Cannes Brulées” that take place in the French-speaking Antilles (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Bartholomew and Saint Martin).
Between the months of January and March, the Carnival of El Callao brings together up to three thousand participants who parade through the streets of the town wearing clothes of historical or imaginary figures to the rhythm of calypso and other music and dances.
The parades are led by women who dance adorned with colorful dresses. They are the so-called “madamas”, West Indian midwives who are considered authentic pillars of Callao's identity because they are considered carriers and communicators of the cultural values of the community.
Mazo News Team