The carnival, described by photographer Enrique García as a thousand theater pieces in just one stage, is the most genuine expression of the Colombian people and a blend of colors, races, legends, gaiety, parties, and musical rhythms like cumbia, mapalé, garabato and son del negro.

It is the best example of a triple cultural fusion (European, African, and Indian) in which the Catholic festivities brought by the Spaniards from the Old World blended with aboriginal ceremonies and the musical heritage of African slaves to become a spectacular folk festivity.