ut the official days of Carnaval are February 3-9 this year. According to Cozumel's official Carnaval web site, Cozumel has been celebrating Carnaval every year since 1873. It's a five day holiday leading up to Lent. Just like "Mardi Gras" in New Orleans.
Carnaval include parades, music, dancing contests, tonnes of glitter, and five days of school holiday. Although there is plenty of drinking in the streets and parks, it's definitely a family event.
Apparently, Cozumel's Carnival is the most authentic and popular Mexican Caribbean.
Last night, I attended the second of the three parades that happen at night. This year, the parade started near my apartment. The floats and dancers gathered in the side streets and made their way onto the main street.
This is where one of the most interesting and scary parts of the parade happens. In my opinion. Several people on the float have long poles with a "v" at the end. The people with the poles lift the electrical power wires that criss-cross over the streets, so the float can advance about 2 feet at a time, without electrocuting anyone on the float or street. I kept my distance while this happened.....
Photos:
#1 - Me, in the mask behind everyone, some local friends, and a guy in an awesome costume!
#2 - One of the more "risque" floats
#3 - some toys you can win with by playing fair games, like at home, but mexican style
#4 - the dancers perform in the streets in front of homes who've "reserved and paid" ahead of time
#5 - a cute bead necklace vendor and my friend Brindle
.
No comments:
Post a Comment