The Barranquilla Carnaval 2025 is turning up the heat as Colombia's biggest cultural event pays homage to its hometown icon, Shakira.
This year's festival proudly adopts the global superstar's iconic lyric, "En Barranquilla se baila así" (This is how we dance in Barranquilla). The lyric is from her hit song Hips Don't Lie, as its official slogan.
The phrase perfectly captures the city's vibrant spirit, making it a fitting tribute to one of its most famous daughters. Shakira, deeply moved by the honour, shared her gratitude.
"This tribute touches my heart as a Barranquilla native. It's an honour and joy to be celebrated this way. Barranquilla celebrates life like no other, and I'm proud to spread that energy worldwide. Long live the Carnival and its incredible people!"
The festival kicked off on 11 January with a celebration at the Shakira statue in Barranquilla. The event unveiled the 2025 Carnaval imagery, filled with the energy and rhythm that reflect Shakira's music.
Fans are also gearing up for her world tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). The tour stops in Barranquilla on 20 and 21 February, just before the Carnaval's grand festivities from 1 to 4 March.
Mayor Alejandro Char highlighted the city's rich cultural heritage: "In Barranquilla, every sway of the hips tells a story. Here, children learn to dance before they walk. It's a legacy we pass down proudly." UNESCO recognises Barranquilla's Carnaval as a masterpiece of humanity's oral and intangible heritage.
The 2025 celebration will feature traditional dances like Cumbia and Mapalé alongside modern styles like salsa and champeta. South Africans, known for their love of lively music and vibrant festivals, will find a kindred spirit in Barranquilla's Carnaval.
Much like the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival or Durban July, this festival blends deep cultural roots with modern flair. Hips Don't Lie, released in 2005, catapulted Shakira to international fame and celebrated Colombian rhythms.
The song features traditional cumbia beats and showcases Carnaval-inspired visuals. The lyric "En Barranquilla se baila así" has since become synonymous with the city's cultural identity.
For many South Africans, Shakira's connection to the country is already strong. Her performance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), holds a special place in their hearts.
The Carnaval tribute highlights how deeply rooted she remains in her own culture while uniting global audiences. The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour begins on 11 February in Brazil and will travel through Latin America before concluding in the United States.
Her Barranquilla concerts promise a homecoming filled with heartfelt performances, blending her global hits with the rich cultural sounds of her hometown. Barranquilla's Carnaval 2025 will showcase the city's evolution while celebrating its traditions.
With Shakira's music and energy at its core, the festival will captivate audiences far beyond Colombia. As the festivities unfold, South Africans might find themselves inspired by Barranquilla's joy, rhythm, and celebration of life.