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In January, the Kamëntsá and Inga indigenous peoples of the Sibundoy Valley celebrate Bëtsknaté, also known as the Carnival of Forgiveness (Carnaval del Perdón).
This colorful festival has its origin in an ancestral myth of the region, according to which Betiyeguagua was punished by Mother Earth and banished to Cerro de Patascoy.
Upon his return he brought with him knowledge related to dance, singing and colorful costumes.
Currently Bëtsknaté is celebrated in Sibundoy on the Monday before Ash Wednesday.
The celebration begins at dawn on the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús sidewalk on the outskirts of the municipal seat. From there the Kamëntsá begin their journey that ends at the main church of Sibundoy.
The procession is led by the Matachín, a character characterized by a red mask and a feather crown, who is responsible for inviting passers-by to join the march.
Other characters, each with their distinctive attire and masks, symbolize different stages in the history of this indigenous people.
During this festival, reconciliation rituals are also carried out between individuals and groups, promoting harmony in the community, which is why Bëtsknaté is known as the Festival of Forgiveness, mainly among people outside the Kamëntsá people.
The Bëtsknaté is an essential event for the preservation of the cultural and spiritual identity of the Kamëntsá and Inga peoples, transmitting knowledge and values from generation to generation.
