The "Black and White" carnival in Pasto, the capital of the province of Nariño in southwestern Colombia, usually takes place during the first week of the new year. This year's carnival began on December 28 last year and ended on January 6. The carnival began in 1886 and was initially organized by black people from Africa, and later got its name "Black and White" as white immigrants joined. In addition to the usual float parades, the biggest feature of the "Black and White" carnival is the "powder war".
People watch floats parade through the streets at the Black & White Carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 6. Xinhua/AFP
People watch floats parade through the streets at the Black & White Carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 6. Xinhua/AFP
People watch floats parade through the streets at the Black & White Carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 6. Xinhua/AFP
People watch floats parade through the streets at the Black & White Carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 6. Xinhua/AFP
People take part in the "powder wars" at the "Black & White" carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 5. Xinhua/AFP
Vendors sell white powder at the Black & White Carnival event in Pasto, Colombia, on January 5. Xinhua/AFP
People take part in the "powder wars" at the "Black & White" carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 5. Xinhua/AFP
People take part in the "powder wars" at the "Black & White" carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 5. Xinhua/AFP
A woman is foamed all over her face when she participates in a "powder fight" at the "Black & White" carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 5. Xinhua/AFP
People take part in the "powder wars" at the "Black & White" carnival in Pasto, Colombia, on January 5. Xinhua/AFP