Authentic heritage? The negros y blancos carnival in the city of Pasto, Colombia

Abstract

This article explores the authenticity of the Negros y Blancos Carnival in the city of Pasto, Colombia, from the perspective of local community stakeholders. The study analyzes the impacts on the carnival’s authenticity caused by diverse elements such as the institutionalization of the carnival, the inscription on the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the development of tourism. Particularly, the concept of the carnival’s authenticity is identified, derived from the opinions of local artisans and artists.