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

"One year after experiencing my first Carnaval de Barranquilla,
I found myself on the Via Cuarenta filming this documentary..."

The film introduces to the world Carnaval de Barranquilla, a 4-day celebration held yearly on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

Historically linked to European pagan rituals brought to the New World during the colonial period, Carnaval de Barranquilla is a reflection of the city’s diverse heritage of Indigenous, European and African cultural influences. This regional diversity of music, rhythm and dance - along with political satire and street theater - collectively define a celebration that is rich in symbolism and a colorful 4-day affirmation of Costeño sensibilities.

The nuances seen in the various elements of the celebration are like facets in a jewel waiting to be experienced for their value as part of a greater whole. From a catalog of seemingly incongruent characters to its core theme of “Quien lo vive es quien lo goza” (who lives it is who enjoys it), an appreciation of these details only adds to the event’s mythology.

As a result, Carnaval de Barranquilla is more than a yearly celebration. It is a circumstantial reflection of a way of life and an attitude toward living. The event continually inspires and influences the city, but more importantly acts as a gathering where the city’s different social classes become one for four magical days. Its traditions and customs are an integral part of Barranquilla’s culture. It is a folkloric rite of passage instilled into the city’s youth at an early age. It is a cultural event plentiful in disorder and irony that opens its arms to all who wish to participate.

Recently honored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, Carnaval de Barranquilla can now be recognized as one of the world’s cultural treasures.

Four Days In Barranquilla illustrates the spontaneous and juxtaposed nature of Carnaval de Barranquilla as seen through the eyes of a visitor to this vibrant and eclectic city. Interviews and voiceovers throughout the film - both formal and spontaneous - convey the pride and passion the Barranquilleros have for their unique celebration. It is a first hand look at the soul of Costeño spirit.

Narrative elements within the film explore the pageantry and characters of the various parades, the nature of being Queen of Carnaval, and the significance of the event to the city and its inhabitants.

Four Days In Barranquilla was shot entirely on location in Barranquilla, Colombia on digital video.

“One of the secondary goals of the project was to show the world a different face of Colombia - one not painted by journalists or politicians.”

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