carnival history:

Barranquilla Carnival 'is the largest and most important festival of Barranquilla, the most festive and colorful Colombia, besides being one of the most recognized in the world. More than a million and half people, visitors and Barranquilla participate in the party. It takes place from Saturday through Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, usually in February and sometimes early March. Has a tradition of over a hundred years. The carnival season begins the second Saturday of January, when public holidays begin and festivities, however, other activities directly related to the carnival happen during much of the year