The Congo Dance is the symbol dance of Barranquilla's carnival. It is originally from Africa and is believed to be the oldest dance in Barranquilla's carnival. It is said that it was practiced at the Fiestas de la Candelaria in Cartagena and migrated to the Barranquilla carnival. Men are dressed in shiny colors and dark glasses. Their faces are painted in whites with two red circles and an elaborate turban that they carry on their heads adorned with flowers and ribbons, with a long cladode that reaches to the ankles. In their hands they usually have a machete made of wood and in the other hand, an inflated bladder of a pig. Women wear a simpler costume with a shiny skirt and blouse and a floral arrangement in the hair.
