A week into the Barranquilla Carnival, the streets of Barranquilla, Colombia, are already buzzing with excitement. The festivities, which kicked off with the Guacherna and recent performances by global superstar Shakira, have set the stage for what promises to be a vibrant and economically significant event. Juan José Jaramillo, director of the Barranquilla Carnival, recently spoke about the anticipated economic impact and the latest developments surrounding the carnival.

Economic Impact of the Carnival

Jaramillo shared insights into the economic spillover expected from this year’s carnival. “We are planning that this carnival, with all the incidents we are having, has a growth in the economic spill of around 25% compared to 2024. That is, this party will generate very interesting numbers. Others, spill is not just for a sector. This party positively impacts all sectors.“

This economic boost is a testament to the carnival’s ability to stimulate various sectors, much like how the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans drive significant tourism and local spending.

Past Years’ Economic Performance

Looking back at previous years, the carnival has had a substantial impact. Last year, this party reported more than 55,000 jobs between direct and indirect. That is, a whole party that covers the great complete line of the city of Barranquilla. This is generating a great impact on the city.

Furthermore, Last year he exceeded the more than $ 800,000 million that great economic spill we had. For this year, we have 100% hotels since Wednesday, which tells us an exponential growth.

This level of economic activity is comparable to major U.S. events like the Super Bowl, which brings in billions of dollars in economic activity to the host city.

Shakira’s Concerts and Tourism Boost

Shakira’s concerts have been a significant draw for international visitors. It generated more than 20 additional flights to the city of Barranquilla. We calculate that for the two Shakira concerts, we have around 100,000 people going to these concerts. 70% of ticket office buyers are international buyers who yes or do arrive in Barranquilla to let it invest some very good dollars in our city. It is estimated that for this year the average spending of a tourist is around $ 5 million.

This influx of tourists is akin to the economic boost experienced by cities hosting major music festivals like Coachella in California, which attracts thousands of visitors and generates significant revenue.

Expected Attendance and Investment

This year, Barranquilla is expecting over a million visitors during the Precarnival and Carnival seasons. We are talking about Barranquilla will receive more than one million visitors in this season of Precarnival and Carnival. Something interesting, since it is a figure that had not been seen before.

The investment for this year’s carnival is substantial, with costs estimated around $27,000 million to $28,000 million. This is a very large effort made by the mayor of Barranquilla in conjunction with the private sector that also invests at the party.

This level of investment and visitor turnout is similar to the scale of events like the Rio Carnival in Brazil, which attracts millions of visitors and requires significant investment from both public and private sectors.

Support for Artisans and Local Economy

Supporting local artisans is a key focus. There are two direct actions. One is the stimulus bag issued by the district of Barranquilla, which this year reached almost $ 12,000 million. These resources go directly to the maker and the operators of the different destinations in the city of Barranquilla.

Additionally, That of the resources that arrive, which are destined to adopt from tradition, those resources go directly to the dances. This ensures that the cultural heritage of Barranquilla is preserved and celebrated.

This approach to supporting local artisans is reminiscent of initiatives in the U.S., such as the support for local craftspeople during events like the Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico, which celebrates and sustains local artistry.

Foreign Investment and Future Prospects

This year, the Barranquilla Carnival is receiving a significant foreign investment. It is a project where the Barranquilla Carnival receives US $ 160,000 from the CAF. This investment is part of a broader agreement signed during the ancestor week in Panama with the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean.

This investment is crucial for the carnival’s future growth and sustainability, similar to how foreign investments in major U.S. events like the World Series or the Olympics drive long-term economic benefits.

Profile of Juan José Jaramillo

Juan José Jaramillo, the director of the Barranquilla Carnival, brings a wealth of experience to his role. He is a psychologist by profession with a specialization in Senior Management from the University of the Andes and studies in public policies. He has held various positions, including Secretary of Culture of Barranquilla, director of the Luis Eduardo Nieto Arteta Corporation, and director of the SISBÉN in the Atlantic capital. He deeply knows the Barranquilla Carnival, as founding director of the Gorilas dance and Secretary of Culture.

Conclusion

The Barranquilla Carnival 2025 is poised to be a monumental event, not only for its cultural significance but also for its economic impact. With substantial investments, a surge in tourism, and a focus on supporting local artisans, the carnival is set to benefit Barranquilla and its residents significantly. As the festivities continue, the city is expected to see a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, much like the dynamic celebrations seen in major U.S. cities during their signature events.