The author examines the origin of colombian carnival in the Greek and Roman celebrations of Bacchanalia, Saturnalia and Lupercalia. This was first seen on the Atlantic Coast, at Cartagena, during the seventeenth century, organized by blacks during three days at the conclusion of the noveny celebrated for the virgin of the Candelaria. THe article brings the elements which help us to understand the appearance of Barranquilla's Carnival as a celebration between the profane and sacred, and between urban and rural.