This piece is the first of a series called “Changing the Game”, a mix of traditions: universal games featuring our Unesco World Heritage Carnaval de Barranquilla characters.

The joker or fool is the highest value card, because he who has knowledge is better protected from the ignorant masses by playing the fool. 

This particular Joker is a dancer from “Son de Negro”, a traditional African-influenced dance of the Carnaval de Barranquilla that originated from the slaves who were brought in ships to Cartagena.

The black slaves danced as a cry for freedom, to alleviate their souls. They used to exaggerate their facial and body expressions as a form of entertainment and to make fun of the Spanish.