Think Mardi Gras is a celebration of debauchery? Wait until you see Carnaval - a full five days of excess! What is Carnaval? Carnaval begins five days before Lent. Since Lent is a time of sacrifice, revelers make the most of the time before by stocking up on gluttony, alcohol and other assorted sinful practices. The only rule is that you have a good time! While Rio de Janeiro may be the most famous Carnaval, Mexico houses the number two spot in Mazatlan. Mazatlan welcomes over 300,000 people for this 120 hour celebration.
Carnaval is a cross between Mardi Gras, a child's party, a bar and a street fair. Music plays around the clock - either live or presented by a DJ. Alcohol flows freely through bars or partiers with their own supply. Streets are lined with vendors who sell easy to eat foods such as fish tacos, campechano and churros. party goers are generally dressed in costume with a face mask. These costumes may be simple or elaborate creations of feathers and beads with tall headdresses. All ages enjoy cracking eggshells filled with confetti (cascarones) over friends and strangers alike (what better way to make a new friend?). Nighttime dances are a common site. Parties may also include rides, parades, fireworks, balls or awards ceremonies. Awards range from the crowning of a Flower Queen to the Clemencia Isaura Poetry award given to the best unpublished work of literature of the previous year. Carnaval Timeline: Saturday: Crowning of the Carnaval Queen, Child Queen and El Rey Feo (Ugly King) Sunday: Street celebrations and parades Monday: El Día del Marido Oprimido (Day of the Oppressed Husband) Tuesday: Fat Tuesday Carnaval Foods: You'll want foods you can eat while dancing and that don't take large amounts of prep time.
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What Will I Find at Carnaval?