Four Days in Barranquilla - A film by Stephen Sariñana-Lampson

The filming of "Four Days in Barranquilla" began with the Queen's Coronation, an event featuring traditional Costeño music and dance derived from the many cultures found in Barranquilla. It was also the start of my friendship with Margarita Lora who allowed me to film her behind the scenes as she fulfilled the many responsibilities of being Queen of Carnaval 2003.


At it's essence, Carnaval de Barranquilla is about Costeño spirit. From characters known as Marimondas, Congos, Indios and Monocucos to the variety of music and dance influenced by the city's cultural heritage, this celebration of disorder is colorful, ecclectic and filled with surprises. While filming on the Via Cuarenta during the several days of parades among the participants, dancers, and street performers, I had the opportunity to feel the passion and intensity of the event as few others have.



The culture of Carnaval de Barranquilla is passed to the city's youth at an early age. Every school in the city has a mini version of Carnaval where kids dress up in traditional Costeño costumes and parade through the streets. In the faces of her children, one can look into the eyes of Colombia's future.


The true reward of making this film was the opportunity to know the warmth and friendship of so many Barranquilleros. Everyone I met during production lent a helping hand, directed me to contacts, and embraced the project with typical Costeño warmth. On the Gracias page, I have listed the names of many who helped make this "our" film. But in truth, there were so many more people who made this documentary possible. To all of them, I am eternally grateful. SS-L

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