Mazatlan Carnaval - It's Like Mari Gras, Only Bigger!

During the week prior to Lent, much of Mexico takes part in a cultural celebration known as Carnaval. The celebration is quite similar to the Mardi Gras festival held in the United States; a time providing the opportunity to indulge before the 40 days of fasting and abstinence are observed for Lent.

It is believed that the celebration originated as a way to indulge in many of the foods and activities which are abstained from during the Lent period; a time in which no parties are held and many foods are forbidden, such as meat.

While various types of carnival celebrations are held throughout the world, in Mexico Carnaval is most often represented with traditional music and dances. Many revelers wear feathered costumes and perform in the streets as a way to celebrate the country's strong cultural history.

Although most of Mexico does celebrate Carnaval, some areas are known for throwing the largest carnvaval celebrations. This is certainly the case in Mazatlan. No other city in the world, other than Rio de Janeiro, hosts a large Carnvaval celebration than Mazatlan. Each year nearly a half a million people celebrate Carnaval in Mazatlan. In fact, the carnival in Mazatlan is the third largest such celebration in the world, following closely behind Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Two open air culinary festivals are typically held during Carnaval in Maztlan; one in the Plaza Machado and the other in the Zona Dorada. Some of the most popular dishes include pescado zarandeado, marlin ahumado and camarones con mango; or barbecued fish, smoked marlin and mango shrimp respectively.

Once you have had your fill of Mazatlan's world famous fresh seafood, venture on over to Olas Atlas for a firework show that represents a mock naval battle. The show is held in honor of Mazatlan's victory over the French navy in 1864.

Learn more about Mazatlan's culture in a program that features regional art as well as literature competitions. This 68 year old tradition honors the best unpublished work in Mexico.

Visitors of all ages will certainly enjoy the fair that runs throughout the week of Carnval, featuring amusement park rides and numerous arts and crafts booths.

Other activities held during Carnaval in Mazatlan include three major pageants. These pageants include the crowning of the Carnaval Queen as well as the first runner up and the Child Queen. The ceremonies during these pageants usually reflect well known star entertainment.

Throughout Carnaval, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the mariachi bands that typically rove through downtown, along with numerous other live entertainment groups which can be enjoyed on a daily basis. Olas Altas is also the site of five full nights of street parties with plenty of live Mexican bands to which you can dance the night away.

Of course, no visit to Mazatlan during Carnaval would be complete without stopping by for at least one parade. Float making is a world renowned skill in Mazatlan. The floats on display in Mazatlan are typically works of art unto themselves, displaying significant moments in history with careful flair and beauty.