Carnival of Barranquilla 2027: Diana Acosta reveals what is coming for the party

Diana Acosta has been named the new director of Carnaval S.A., the organization responsible for organizing the annual Carnaval de Barranquilla, with less than six months until the 2027 edition begins on February 6–9. The festival, one of Colombia’s most iconic celebrations, will see its traditional routes and formats potentially reshaped under Acosta’s leadership. She brings decades of experience in studying, managing, and promoting the festival, including her role in the successful campaign that led to the UNESCO designation of the Carnaval as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Acosta’s tenure begins amid ongoing discussions about key aspects of the festival, particularly the future of the Batalla de Flores parade, which traditionally takes place along Avenida 40. This route, central to the festival’s identity, is currently being evaluated due to urban changes and evolving city dynamics. Additionally, she plans to address the influence of advertising within the festival, enhance community engagement, and restore the prominence of local music and sound traditions that define the event. The 2027 Carnaval will mark Acosta’s first major challenge as director. She emphasizes that her approach will focus on listening to the diverse perspectives of the communities that make up Barranquilla. According to her, the festival must reflect the varied experiences of residents, from long-time participants to younger generations and tourists, while maintaining its core values. She acknowledges the importance of continuity with previous efforts, especially those initiated by her predecessor, Juan Carlos, who maintained close collaboration with her throughout their shared work. Acosta highlights that the Carnaval is not a singular entity but rather a collection of expressions shaped by different groups within the city. She points to initiatives such as the Portafolio de Estímulos, which supports citizen-led projects, as evidence of this diversity. These programs aim to bring the festival back into residential neighborhoods, echoing past practices like comparsas entering homes and family gatherings during the celebration. However, modern living conditions and security concerns have made these traditions more challenging to sustain. Despite her extensive background, Acosta admits that the path ahead includes difficult decisions. While she has not yet identified specific challenges, she stresses that she will not compromise the festival’s heritage. She promises to take necessary steps to preserve its essence, even if it means saying no to certain proposals. Her commitment to transparency and informed decision-making underscores her vision for the 2027 Carnaval. The Batalla de Flores, a historic component of the festival since 1903, remains a focal point of debate. Although the exact details of its 2027 route have not been finalized, the discussion reflects broader tensions between tradition and adaptation. Acosta’s involvement in shaping this aspect of the festival signals a potential shift toward balancing historical significance with contemporary realities. As the city continues to evolve, so too does the Carnaval, adapting to meet the expectations of both longtime supporters and new audiences.