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Mexico: The Mazatlan Carnival

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Experience the magic of Mazatlán Carnival, a must-visit event for any avid traveler! Get ready for an explosion of vibrant colors that will awaken your senses. With enchanting parades that will leave your jaw dropping, this festival boasts a lively atmosphere that is sure to ignite your spirit. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tradition that Mazatlán Carnival offers, where history meets celebration. Leave with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience! #MazatlánCarnival #TravelersParadise



The Mazatlan carnival is a pre-Lenten festival held in Mazatlan, a city on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is one of the largest and oldest carnivals in the world, with more than a century of history and tradition. The carnival features various events, such as parades, concerts, fireworks, coronations, street parties, and more. The carnival is celebrated annually from a Thursday to a Tuesday in February, and its theme changes every year. The 2024 Mazatlan carnival will take place from February 8 to February 13, with the theme of "Baroque Eclipse"¹²³. The carnival is a symbol of Mazatlan's culture and identity, and a way of enjoying the warm weather and the festive spirit. 🎊


The Mazatlán carnival is the oldest in México, dating back to 1898 when it was formally organized by a committee of wealthy citizens and military authorities¹. Before that, the carnival was celebrated spontaneously by the people of the port, who engaged in playful battles with stones, confetti, flour, and aniline¹². The carnival is a five-day festival that takes place before Ash Wednesday, and features music, dancing, parades, fireworks, and cultural activities²³. It is considered the most important event in Mazatlán, and attracts thousands of visitors every year³.


Some traditional costumes in the Mazatlán carnival are:


- **Monigotes**: These are giant papier-mâché figures that represent historical or mythical characters, such as Quetzalcoatl, Hernán Cortés, or Frida Kahlo. They are carried by dancers along the parade route and often have humorous or satirical messages¹.

- **Venetian masks**: These are colorful and elaborate masks that cover the eyes and nose, inspired by the Italian carnival of Venice. They are worn by the participants of the masked ball, one of the most elegant and exclusive events of the carnival².

- **Regional dresses**: These are costumes that reflect the diverse cultures and regions of Mexico, such as the huipil from Oaxaca, the charro suit from Jalisco, or the china poblana from Puebla. They are worn by folkloric dancers who perform traditional dances, such as the jarabe tapatío, the son jarocho, or the danzón³.


The most popular dance in Mazatlán carnival is the **Banda Sinaloense**, also known as **Tambora**⁴. This is a lively and upbeat musical genre that originated in the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlán is located⁵. It features brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, tubas, and saxophones, as well as percussion instruments, such as drums, cymbals, and tambourines⁵. The Banda Sinaloense is played by large groups of musicians, who often wear colorful uniforms and hats⁶. The music is influenced by polka, waltz, corrido, and cumbia, and the lyrics are usually about love, humor, or social issues⁵.


The Banda Sinaloense is very popular among the locals and the visitors of Mazatlán carnival, who dance along to the catchy rhythms and melodies. The dance moves are simple and energetic, involving steps, turns, jumps, and spins. The dancers often form couples or groups, and sometimes use props, such as hats, handkerchiefs, or umbrellas⁶. The Banda Sinaloense is performed throughout the carnival, especially during the parades, the concerts, and the street parties. It is considered a symbol of Mazatlán's culture and identity, and a way of expressing joy and pride⁵.


Source: Conversation with Bing, 23/01/2024

(1) MAZATLÁN CARNIVAL 2024 | Parades, Events & More. https://www.carnivaland.net/mazatlan-carnival/.

(2) 6 Best Events At Mazatlan's Carnival Celebration (2022) - TravelAwaits. https://www.travelawaits.com/2734284/best-things-to-do-mazatlan-carnival-2022/.

(3) Mazatlan Carnival 2023: How and where they will celebrate. https://u.travel/mexico/mazatlan/mazatlan-carnival-2023-how-and-where-they-will-celebrate/.

(4) . https://bing.com/search?q=most+popular+dance+in+Mazatl%c3%a1n+carnival.

(5) Centro Municipal de las Artes/Escuela Profesional de Danza de Mazatlán. http://culturamazatlan.com.mx/.

(6) Centro Municipal de Arte / Escuela Profesional de Danza de Mazatlán. http://www.culturamazatlan.com.mx/cma/informacionint.php?seccion=8-escuela-profesional-de-danza-de-mazatlan-Pn90Hl40&adm=.


Source: Conversation with Bing, 23/01/2024

(1) MAZATLÁN CARNIVAL 2024 | Parades, Events & More. https://www.carnivaland.net/mazatlan-carnival/.

(2) A Complete Guide To Mazatlan Carnaval - A Couple of Drifters. https://www.acoupleofdrifters.com/mazatlan-carnaval/.

(3) Mazatlan Carnival 2023: How and where they will celebrate. https://u.travel/mexico/mazatlan/mazatlan-carnival-2023-how-and-where-they-will-celebrate/.


Source: Conversation with Bing, 23/01/2024

(1) History of the Mazatlán Carnival, the oldest in México. https://www.mazatlanweekly.com/2023/02/17/history-of-the-mazatlan-carnival-the-oldest-in-mexico/.

(2) The History of Mazatlán's Carnival - El Cid Resorts. https://www.elcid.com/blog/the-history-of-mazatlans-carnival/.

(3) Carnival History - Carnaval de Mazatlán. http://carnavalmazatlan.com/en/history/carnival-history/.


Source: Conversation with Bing, 23/01/2024

(1) MAZATLÁN CARNIVAL 2024 | Parades, Events & More. https://www.carnivaland.net/mazatlan-carnival/.

(2) 2024 Carnival in Mazatlán, Mexico | MazatlanVisit.com. https://mazatlanvisit.com/mazatlan-carnival.html.

(3) Mazatlán Carnival, Mexico BEST Guide with Dates and info. https://bestcarnivals.org/north-america/mazatlan-carnival-mexico/.

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