The theme for Mazatlán’s Carnaval celebration this year is The Empires Celebration. The empires of France, Russia, Rome, and China will be represented by Carnaval royalty. Carnaval celebrations begin on February 16 and run through February 21.
Today they were still working on erecting four large monos along the malecón. These huge paper maché figures represent the four empires. Here’s a nice schedule of events for Carnaval 2012.
They have been installing lighting and electrical conduit for the various stages. It won’t be long before they install bathrooms and ticket booths. Then come the walls to remove access to the beach stairs so the pyrotechnic people have the beach to themselves during the naval battle fireworks.
The school across the street from us has been practicing the same song for the last week. They must be working on a number for one of the Carnaval parades. It sounds very familiar, I think it is the same one from last year!
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Can’t wait!
February 2nd, 2012 at 7:03 pm
They look fabulous. I’ve got to get down there and see them.
February 3rd, 2012 at 7:53 am
I always loved this time of year with the buzz of the upcoming celebrations in the air. I will so miss it as I had hoped to fly back for Carnaval, but just didn’t come to pass this year. There’s always next and then I will be ready! Some hate the hustle and bustle, but I relish it. Let the good times roll!
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:49 am
I bet Paul can sing along by now!
Zoe, what are your favorites about Carnaval?
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Hi Zoe, This is such a fun time of year, I agree. Watching everything come together and of course the Naval combat fireworks show from your old place is a must-attend event! Wish you were here, too.
Ingrid, I read in the paper there are going to be 10 all together, yesterday there were only 4!
Marty, Sounds like you might be here in time, right?
February 4th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Yes, Nancy, by some stroke of luck everything came together and we will be there. We are hoping to meet you and Paul. Of course after Carnival is over, you are probably really busy during. We’ll be there two weeks this time, so are hoping to rekindle friendships and make new friends.
February 5th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Your carnaval posts are always some of my favorites. But I must admit I hear whispers of Daniel’s “feet of clay” when I see the statues for this year.
February 5th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
The school across the street from us has been practicing the same song for the last week. They must be working on a number for one of the Carnaval parades. It sounds very familiar, I think it is the same one from last year!
Maybe what you’ve been listening to is the traditional slow march “Los Papaquis”. Los Papaquis is a must when the Carnival parade takes place. It’s been part of our folklore for almost a hundred years. Here’s the link to this tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IADahXCT2-M
February 11th, 2012 at 8:22 am
Just got a Facebook message from a relative all worried about safety in Mexico. Of course he’d been watching Fox news. Hope I set him straight! Tired of the propaganda!
February 13th, 2012 at 1:51 am
I have experienced carnival in Mexico ( Acapulco to be exact ) personally in 2010 and was amazed by the whole show displayed. But from what i can see Mazatlan’s carnival does not look like its gonna be missing too much. The paper mache figures are really astonishing.