Faces of Mexico - by Bill & Dorothy Bell  

 Mazatlan’s Carnival

Mazatlan’s Carnival is the 3^rd largest in the world after New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro and is enjoyed by 400,000 people annually. Carnival comes from the Latin word “Carnale” or “goodbye to the flesh”, and encourages over indulgence, party and reckless abandonment prior to Ash Wednesday.

There are parades and more parades. Fireworks. Vendors selling almost everything and more. The costumes and floats will amaze you. The colors are spectacular.

It is a great get away from La Peñita. Celebrated this year from February 4-8, and is best to reserve a room now.

Friday, February 4
2:00 pm Inauguration of the Food Festival in Plazuela Machado
8:30 pm Flower Games pageant, crowning of Flower Games Queen
Saturday, February 5
At 5pm there is the parade of Bad Humor at J. Carrasco to Pino Suarez Market, with the reading of the manifesto. The Carnival Fair opens. At 6:30pm is the coronation of the Queen of Carnival at the baseball stadium. At 9:00pm is the burning of Bad Humor at Venadito monument in Olas Altas, and at 10:30am is a spectacular simulated naval combat with fireworks in Olas Altas.
Monday, February 7
At 5:30pm is the first and biggest Carnival Parade, Northward on Avenida del Mar.
Monday, February 7
At 12:00am is the Children's ball, and at 6:30pm is the coronation of the Child Queen at the Baseball Stadium.
Tuesday, February 8
At 4:00pm is the second Carnival Parade, Southward from the Ave. de los Deportes to Olas Altas