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In October, the Coal Festival (Festival Nacional del Carbón) is celebrated in Barrancas, a town located in the valley between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía del Perijá. Through this celebration, the people of Barrancas pay homage to coal, which has become the foundation of the town's economy.
The Coal Festival has been held annually since its establishment in 1971, making it the oldest festival in the department of La Guajira.
Although it is not a religious festivity, the Coal Festival is closely linked to devotion to the Virgin of Pilar, the patron saint of Barrancas, and three masses in her honor mark the beginning of the festivities.
For approximately two weeks, the town’s streets come alive with music and color, featuring floats, parades with local troupes, and groups from other municipalities in the region.
Dance competitions and the typical contests of this Caribbean region of Colombia, such as "piqueria" duels and accordion competitions, are also held.
The National Coal Beauty Pageant is likewise an integral tradition of the festival. Representatives from various departments, in addition to showcasing their physical beauty, demonstrate their knowledge about coal and participate in the festival's various activities.
The Coal Festival (Festival Nacional del Carbón) not only promotes local identity and a sense of community but also serves as a platform for education and awareness.
