Shakira and Her Sons Went Full Incognito at Barranquilla’s Carnival—And Fans Are Obsessed
Shakira made a surprise appearance at the Guacherna parade, a signature event of the Carnaval de Barranquilla. She brought her sons, Milan and Sasha, along for an unforgettable cultural experience. According to Ellas, the Colombian singer ensured her family could enjoy the festivities while staying under the radar, blending into the crowd with elaborate disguises.
The Guacherna, a vibrant night parade held on the Friday before Carnaval, draws thousands of spectators to the streets of Barranquilla. Shakira and her children joined the award-winning comparsa Palo E’ Muerte, known for its glowing skeleton costumes and signature large-scale lanterns. To maintain their anonymity, the trio wore neon skeleton makeup and donned marimonda masks—an iconic Carnaval disguise featuring exaggerated ears and a long trunk.
Shakira later confirmed her participation on Instagram, sharing videos and photos of the experience. “Orgullosa de enseñarle a mis hijos mi cultura y la alegría de mi gente. ¡Viva la Guacherna en Carnaval!” she wrote.
A Carefully Planned Disguise Allowed Shakira to Experience the Carnaval Like a Local
Gonzalo Guarín, the director of Palo E’ Muerte, revealed in an interview with El Heraldo that the singer had reached out through mutual friends, hoping to attend the parade discreetly. “She wanted to experience the Carnaval de Barranquilla, but security concerns meant she had to do so with discretion,” he explained.
To pull off the plan, Palo E’ Muerte integrated Shakira seamlessly into their group. “We had to be strategic. No one took photos or even knew she was there except for me,” Guarín added. According to EFE, the pop star exited the parade early at a predetermined point to avoid attracting attention. Still, she fully immersed herself in the celebration, dancing with comparsa members and soaking in the atmosphere.
Fans Are Just Now Realizing They Partied Next to Shakira
Despite the careful planning, some fans later discovered Shakira’s presence through social media videos. Attendees unknowingly captured glimpses of the singer and her sons dancing among the crowd, disguised yet fully embracing the Carnaval spirit. Many expressed their shock online, with one fan commenting, “El que ve esto ahora ni se imaginó que la tenía al lado” (“Whoever sees this now had no idea she was right next to them”).
According to CiberCuba, the Carnival of Barranquilla organization even thanked Shakira for being part of the Guacherna, writing on X: “¡@shakira no se podía ir de Barranquilla sin vivir de cerquita nuestra #Guacherna2025! Bailando por toda la Cra. 44, nuestra querida SHAK, junto a sus hijos, se gozó de principio a fin el desfile nocturno más emblemático de la Fiesta.”
Shakira’s Emotional Connection to Barranquilla’s Carnaval
For Shakira, returning to Barranquilla is more than just a homecoming—it’s a reconnection to her roots. During her tour stop in the city, she celebrated the local culture by inviting the Carnaval queen, Tatiana Ángulo Fernández de Castro, to the stage to perform “Te Olvidé,” the festival’s official anthem.
Shakira’s visit to Barranquilla also came with an unexpected disappointment—her highly anticipated concert in Medellín was canceled due to safety concerns related to the stage setup. “Mis hijos estaban emocionados por conocer Medellín, y yo por reencontrarme con ustedes,” she wrote in a statement, assuring fans that she hopes to reschedule soon.
A Cultural Moment That Will Stay With Her Children
The trip wasn’t just about Shakira enjoying her hometown’s traditions—it was about passing them on. Her sons, Milan and Sasha, experienced the essence of Barranquilla’s Carnaval firsthand, from the electrifying energy of the Guacherna to the spontaneous street celebrations.
As InfoBae noted, the singer’s presence at the Carnaval de Barranquilla once again showcased her love for her city and its traditions. And while she may have slipped through the streets unnoticed by most, her message was loud and clear: her cultural heritage is something she wants her children to embrace and celebrate, just as she has throughout her career.
