Barranquilla, Colombia, is gearing up for its most vibrant cultural event of the year: Carnaval de Barranquilla 2025. This year’s festivities hold special significance as the city pays tribute to one of its most celebrated natives, GRAMMY, and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist Shakira. Adopting her iconic line from the global hit “Hips Don’t Lie,”—” En Barranquilla se baila así” (This is how we dance in Barranquilla)—as the official slogan, the festival honors the Colombian’s enduring connection to her hometown and the pride she brings to its people.
The celebration started on Saturday, January 11, with a special gathering at the Shakira statue in Barranquilla. At this event, the official imagery for the 2025 Carnaval was unveiled, setting the tone for a festival infused with the energy and rhythm that Shakira’s music embodies. Adding to the excitement, Shakira’s world tour, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” will include a highly anticipated stop in Barranquilla on February 20 and 21, aligning perfectly with the Carnaval’s peak. The folkloric event will be held from March 1 to 4.
Shakira’s Heartfelt Tribute
Shakira expressed deep gratitude when asked about the honor: “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!”
Carnaval 2025: A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
Mayor Alejandro Char emphasized the cultural significance of dance in Barranquilla: “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, a tradition we proudly pass on to all generations.”
UNESCO has recognized Carnaval de Barranquilla as a masterpiece of humanity’s oral and intangible heritage. It is a stunning fusion of traditional and contemporary cultural expressions. The 2025 edition will feature dances like Cumbia, Garabato, and Mapalé alongside modern genres like salsa, champeta, and urban beats.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe Influence of “Hips Don’t Lie” on Barranquilla’s Identity
Released in 2005, “Hips Don’t Lie” became a global anthem and a celebration of Colombian culture. Inspired by the rhythms of cumbia, the song pays homage to Barranquilla’s vibrant music and dance traditions. Its accompanying music video features imagery from the Carnaval, showcasing traditional costumes and dances like Indios, Congos, and Marimondas.
The song’s iconic line, “En Barranquilla se baila así,” encapsulates the city’s identity and the spirit of its people, making it a fitting theme for this year’s festival.
© WireImageShakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour
Shakira’s world tour, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” will bring her closer to her roots as she performs in Barranquilla during the Carnaval. The tour begins on February 11 in Brazil and will span Latin America, ending in the United States. Her concerts in Barranquilla will celebrate her international success and the cultural heritage that has profoundly influenced her career.
Carnaval’s Global Impact
© Getty ImagesWith Shakira at its center, the 2025 Carnaval de Barranquilla promises to captivate audiences worldwide. The festival honors its rich traditions and showcases Barranquilla’s cultural diversity and ability to evolve.