In November, Cartagena shuts down for a week to celebrate it's independence day (yes, a separate independence day just for the city) and to host the national beauty pageant. It is crazy! First of all, you need to know that I hate beauty pageants. I think they are dumb. So, to start off the week, I went with a friend to meet all the contestants, and, because I am a horrible person, make fun of them behind their backs.
Meet Las Reinas:
They all look exactly the same. It is disgusting. But... I got a picture with one! (I was originally making a face, but my friend took a really long time taking the picture and I started giggling.)
So, there are tons of parades with the queens and everything, but the best part is that the city just goes into total chaos for the week. Of course, there is drinking and it is more dangerous, but it is also very fun. In the streets people throw water, flour, paint, spray foam, anything on anyone who passes by. You have to wear old clothes because they will get ruined. I don't have any pictures of me covered in yellow, blue, red, purple, etc, but let me tell you, my shirt sure is beautiful! Tye dye! The part that really keeps you on your toes are the "buscapies." These are like firecrackers that people throw on the ground and after a few seconds explode. You have no idea where they are going to go and when they will explode. I may or may not have thrown one...
But these parties last all week, all over the city, culminating in the crowning of Miss Colombia, but I think that by the end, no one really cares who wins. Everyone is too drunk and tired to really pay attention. If you are in Cartagena for this week, I would advise you to be very careful, but just let go and enjoy!
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