CELEBRATION

The Colombian Carnival Celebration You Haven’t Heard Of: La Puntica No Ma’

A collective's performance within the Carnival of Barranquilla

La Puntica No Ma' collective at the parade
La Puntica No Ma' collective at the parade

By Ernesto Roman on 03.25.23

The Barranquilla carnival, whose first version was in the 1880s and was influenced by the Spanish and Portuguese, is one of Colombia‘s most important folkloric events and the second largest in the world, after the world-famous celebration in Rio de Janeiro. With the slogan, “Whoever lives it is who enjoys it,” the carnival expresses Colombian culture through popular music and dance. The city shuts down to host different celebratory events, from adorned floats to people dressed in the most curious costumes of mythological beings, satirical characters, and traditional dancers who express themselves to the rhythm of cumbia, mapalé, porro, and other emblematic dances of Colombian music. In addition, the carnival is recognized as a celebration of the Catholic Church worldwide, marking the beginning of Lent.

Candid looks during the parade
Candid looks during the parade
A couple dressed in mushroom costumes rest before the parade
A couple dressed in mushroom costumes rest before the parade

La Puntica No Ma’, which translates to “just the tip,” is the first participating group or “comparsa” of the Barranquilla carnival presented as a collective performance and not as a sample of only one type of dance and music traditions from the Colombian coast. La Puntica, criticizing traditionalist structures, searches for sexual humor that encourages us to explore a version of ourselves without repression, including visual expression and performative dance.

 

Colorful costumes and makeup are essenstial at La Puntica
Colorful costumes and makeup are essenstial at La Puntica
Creative character by artist Dayra Benavides
Creative character by artist Dayra Benavides
La Puntica No Ma' custumes from previous years
La Puntica No Ma' custumes from previous years
DSC_0795

Founded in 1999, this magical troupe began with a group of only ten people and today has become more than 300 “punteros” that fill the streets of Barranquilla with joy and fantasy. It’s an alternative collective formed mainly by creatives, from visual artists, photographers, and architects to DJs, film directors, and journalists, making it one of the most provocative and avant-garde groups participating in the parade. Also, unlike other comparsas built based on traditional norms and structures of the Barranquilla’s carnival institutions, La Puntica opens up as a bridge between countries as foreigners are welcome to apply and participate. An otherness makes it an influential collective.

DJs Madame Vacile and The Busy Twist spinning live
DJs Madame Vacile and The Busy Twist spinning live

Themes for the character’s costumes change every year, and 2023’s proposal revolved around the awakening of awareness for ecology. It was divided into five possibilities: intergalactic psilocybin, enchanted forest, exotic fruits, metallic minerals, and insects. Building on these categories, each person creates their own character concept — giving them physical and personality characteristics, including a name, to present and apply to La Puntica. Once accepted, they are guided step by step to construct and enhance their character through mentorship from recurring performers, costume workshops, makeup tutorials, Instagram live events, and finally, meeting to get to know each other.

La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023
La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023
Another look from this year
Another look from this year

"The Carnival and La Puntica No Ma' are perfect forms of expression — a beautiful, safe place to connect with people, music, and our Colombian roots as a big happy family. This is where my actual calendar year begins!"

— Orly Anan - Visual Artist and Art Director

La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023
La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023
La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023

Before the carnival’s main parade, everyone gathers at the Puntica headquarters. Then, a symphony of glitter, makeup, body paint, wigs, and crafty costume pieces starts to emerge as 300 souls get into character. At the “Batalla de Flores,” or battle of flowers, which is the main parade, different floats and groups walk and dance to the eyes of the crowds along the four kilometers of Barranquilla’s sunny Via 40. The party begins where the decorated Puntica float awaits, holding large speakers ready for a DJ — this year it was Madame Vacile and The Busy Twist — to blast music leading the group to the end of the road. This is followed by dancing under the sun until it’s time to begin. The crowd of spectators cheers and encourages you despite the heat, some urging you to show them what you’ve got. Here is where the real beauty of individual freedom and self-expression is celebrated colorfully.

La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023
La Puntica No Ma' costumes 2023
La Puntica No Ma' participants during the parade
La Puntica No Ma' participants during the parade

Photos by: Ernesto Roman & Valerie Amor

Have you signed up for our monthly newsletter yet? Never spammy, always bringing you the best and coolest hotels in the world and global lifestyle culture, all through the eyes of industry insiders and local tastemakers. Sign up here!

Share this Story

More Art & Culture

Witty Haiku For A Hotel Review

Haiku for hotels, A website with poetic charm, Stay in verse and calm

tell me more ›

Spring In Tuscany: Villa Lena Creative Retreats

Created for the curious wanderer, the eclectic program goes from Renaissance flower painting and wellness to natural perfumery making and, of course, delicious Italian food

tell me more ›

An Easy Guide To ABC Art Baja California

Explore the hotels, galleries, restaurants, artist’s studios, and alternative spaces participating in the inaugural five-week festival

tell me more ›

Art-Studded Launch of Art Baja California At Mexico City Art Week

Artists, curators, gallerists and the media came together to celebrate and learn more about the five-week cultural festival coming to Baja California Sur next month

tell me more ›
Back to Top