Barranquilla is gearing up for its 2025 Carnaval, Colombia’s most celebrated cultural event, with a special tribute to GRAMMY®, and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Shakira, one of its renowned figures. This year, the festival adopts the global superstar’s iconic line from her hit song “Hips Don’t Lie” - “‘En Barranquilla se baila así” as its official slogan, honouring her enduring connection to her hometown.
To kick off the celebration, a gathering took place at the Shakira statue in Barranquilla, on Saturday, January 11, where the official imagery for this year’s Carnaval was unveiled. Adding to the excitement, Shakira’s world tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, will make a highly anticipated stop in Barranquilla. When asked about her tribute, Shakira said,
"This tribute touches my heart as a Barranquilla native and fills me with pride. It is an honour and a joy to be part of this in such a way. Since the day I was born, I have always felt incredibly proud to be from Barranquilla, and I always will be. Because that's what we do here—celebrate life. And above all, we celebrate that we know how to celebrate! Let’s spread this energy to the entire world! Long live the Carnival, long live Barranquilla, its culture, and its people. Let’s show once again that this is how we dance in Barranquilla! Love you all! "
The tour kicks off on February 11 in Brazil and continues through Latin America making stops in Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico before coming to the United States on May 13. Her performance in Barranquilla, on February 20 and 21, will not only celebrate her international success but also pay homage to the cultural heritage that has inspired much of her work.
The slogan “En Barranquilla se baila así” reflects the energy and spirit of the city, which Shakira captured in her 2005 global hit. The song, inspired by the rhythms of Colombian cumbia, celebrates the vibrant dance and music traditions that are at the heart of the Carnaval. Its accompanying music video further highlights Barranquilla’s culture, featuring traditional costumes, dances, and an unmistakable pride in the city’s rich heritage.
Led by Mayor Alejandro Char, the 2025 edition of the Carnaval aims to showcase Barranquilla’s diversity and creativity.
“In Barranquilla, dance is not just rhythmic movement; it’s our way of speaking to the world. Here, every sway of the hips tells stories of carnival traditions passed down from generation to generation. Barranquilla is a city where music is lived, rhythm is breathed, and joy is felt in every corner. Here, our children learn to dance before they walk, and this is a tradition we proudly pass on to all generations,” stated Mayor Char.
Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for over 20 years, the Carnaval de Barranquilla brings together an array of traditional and modern influences. This year’s festivities will feature traditional dances like Cumbia, Garabato, and Mapalé alongside contemporary genres such as salsa, champeta and urban beats, creating a vibrant celebration of cultural fusion.
With Shakira’s deep connection to Barranquilla and her global influence, the 2025 Carnaval promises to be a powerful showcase of the city’s identity and traditions, bringing its culture to the world stage like never before.
