At Ecoturismo Colombia, we believe that travel is the greatest educator. Today, we invite you to discover the Bëtsknaté (The Great Day), or the Festival of Forgiveness, celebrated by the Kamëntsá indigenous community.
While most of the world celebrates the New Year with fireworks and champagne, in the mystical Sibundoy Valley (Putumayo), the beginning of a new cycle is welcomed in a much more profound and spiritual way: by healing the heart.
What is Bëtsknaté?
Celebrated on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, this festival (recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage) is the most sacred date for the Kamëntsá and Inga peoples. It is not merely a carnival; it is a collective ritual designed to:
- Seek Forgiveness: It is the designated time to leave grudges behind, embrace your neighbors, and apologize for the mistakes of the past year.
- Show Gratitude: Deep tribute is paid to Mother Earth (Pacha Mama) for the year’s harvests and the continuation of life.
Color, Music, and Carved Masks
The festival is an absolute visual explosion. The community parades in their traditional woven garments (capisayos) wearing stunning, hand-carved wooden masks.
- The Matachín: The central character of the festival, who leads the hypnotic dancing and music, physically announcing the arrival of the “new time.”
💬 A Lesson for the World: Imagine if every country had an official day dedicated solely to forgiving and letting go of resentment. Who would you forgive today? Share your thoughts! ✨🤝
