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Travelers Discover Alternatives for Carnaval

Mexican Cities Gaining Ground on
Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans as Hot Spots 

While Carnaval and Mardi Gras have long been associated with Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans, discerning travelers to Mexico have discovered celebrations of the centuries-old tradition that are difficult to match elsewhere. Throughout Mexico, preparations are under way for the colorful festivals that blend native music, dancing and adventure.  This festive and culturally diverse alternative is a perfect combination to ring in the Lenten season with the country's well-known pageantry. 

Carnaval in Mexico is an exhilarating marriage of Christian celebrations and pagan traditions characterized by lavish street parties and historical remembrances.  The week-long festivities commemorate the nation s history, the piquant local culture and the religious significance of the season. Events typically begin the week before Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) and end with vibrant parades.  Towns such as La Paz, Merida, and Ensenada all celebrate in grand style, but two vibrant port cities Mazatlan and Veracruz stand out for their pre-Lenten festivals:

Mazatlan

Carnaval in Mazatlan is the third-largest celebration of its kind in the world, behind those of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.  Some 350,000 locals and tourists show up every year for the festivities.  This port city, just south of the Sea of Cortez, is the host of cultural events, fireworks, beautiful pageants and parades, live bands, and a week-long street party.  The approaching Carnaval season is traditionally marked by the appearance of the alebrijes, (spectacular papier-mâché dragons, devils and other mythical figures) which decorate the Avenida del Mar. 

On Thursday, Feb. 7, the crowning of El Rey de Alegría (The King of Joy) will take place in the Plaza de Toros.  On Feb. 9, history will come alive with the vivid ship-to-shore fireworks display on the Avenida Olas Altas.  This spectacle commemorates the 1864 battle of Mazatlan, when the then-tiny Mexican village successfully fought off an invading French warship.  Street parades, which include many colorful floats, progress to the Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Stadium, where, during an ornate gala, the Queen of Carnaval is crowned.  A food festival, a costume ball with elaborate masks, and a Monday, Feb. 11th ceremony for the Child Queen of Carnaval all contribute to the kaleidoscopic adventure.

Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, the resort city of Mazatlan is also known for its year-round golf, deep-sea fishing and delectable shrimp and seafood.  Mexico s second largest coastal city behind Acapulco offers an array of world-class restaurants, fine art galleries, handicraft markets, and sightseeing opportunities for colonial-era sites and contemporary attractions.

Resorts and Lodging in Mazatlan
1-800-432-7772
www.go2mazatlan.com
The official English-language Web site for Carnaval in Mazatlan is http://www.carnavalmazatlan.com.mx/HomePage/portada_eng.html

Veracruz 

Veracruz's Carnaval celebration, the oldest such celebration in the region, is influenced by the city s blend of Afro-Cuban and Spanish roots.  Many of the traditional Carnaval events in Veracruz city take place in the town square known as the Zocalo.   A favorite parade element is the cascarones, which are confetti-filled eggshells that are readily available for tossing during events. 

Veracruz's role as Mexico s main port city on the Gulf of Mexico led to major influence of both Spanish and African cultures on its character. To experience a culturally diverse Carnaval, many Mexicans and foreign visitors alike flock here for the city s global version of the celebrations.  While Veracruz celebrates Carnaval for nine days prior to Ash Wednesday, the most anticipated events typically heat up with the Quema del Mal Humor (The Burning of Bad Humor) and end with the Funeral of Juan Carnaval, the most lavish of all the Carnaval parades.  Other events include fireworks, dances, salsa and samba music, handicrafts, folklore shows and children s parades. 

Located 145 miles east of Mexico City, Veracruz was once a centerpiece of Spanish trade.  It was here that on April 21, 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived and made first contact with the natives.  Veracruz is the home to many historical sites, including the Baluarte de Santiago, a fortress built in 1636 to help in the defense against pirate raids. 

In addition to its historic attractions, museums and colonial-era monuments, the city of Veracruz has become known for its seafood, outdoor cafes, Marimba music and Caribbean-style dance. Some of the more famous nightlife options and many Carnaval activities are centered in the Plaza de Armas.

Resorts and Lodging
011-52-229-989-8800
www.veracruz.com.mx
 
Just 80km north of Mexico City lies the town of Tepoztlan, a fairly undiscovered colonial city that hosts one of Mexico s oldest Carnaval celebrations.

Tepoztlan

Long studied by sociologists and economists as the most traditional Mexican pueblo, the village of Tepoztlan in the state of Morelos, is framed by majestic mountains crowned by the ruins of the 15th century Tepozteco pyramid.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary hosting vibrant Carnaval festivities, Tepoztlan is home to month-long celebrations held nightly in the plaza principal, or main plaza. From February 9th through March 12th the plaza is decorated with flags and brightly colored papel picado, tissue paper cut into intricate designs. Revelers flock to the square wearing brightly colored masks and paper hats and spend the evening dancing to live music. Fireworks and confetti fill the air as people of all ages fill the many tents that line the plaza and house various carnival games and tantalizing food and drinks.

No matter what you are seeking, Mexico offers a variety of experiences that are close to home and difficult to match anywhere else. Where else can you climb a pyramid in the morning, snorkel before lunch, shop for exquisite crafts, dine on authentic Mexican cuisine and dance until dawn?  From excitement and fun to rest, relaxation, and reflection, Mexico offers it all.  

For more information:

Mexico's many destinations
1-800-44-MEXICO
www.visitmexico.com.

Photos courtesy of Dan Millington for the Mexico Tourism Board

Edited by Karen Devine

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