Colombia's renowned Blacks and Whites Carnival is, despite its name, a colorful parade, comprised of elaborately designed floats and costumes. The country's leader Juan Manuel Santos says he was honored to be the first president to attend the event's finale.

Colombia's renowned Blacks and Whites Carnival is, despite its name, a colorful parade, comprised of elaborately designed floats and costumes.

The vibrant carnival wrapped up on Sunday in the south-western city of Pasto. President Santos was just one of the throngs of merry carnival-goers. The annual celebration draws on the South American country's Indian, Spanish and African traditions.

In 2009, UNESCO named it a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In the most anticipated final two days of the festival, participants dress in black and white to symbolize unity and equality, while also celebrating their ethnic and cultural diversity. The loud and lively event contrasts with the city's usual calm. This year, close to 1.5 million people, including many foreign tourists, showed up to take part in the revelry.

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