Mazatlan Carnival 2023 Parade Kicks Off with Floats and Troupes

The first parade of the Mazatlan International Carnival 2023 started on Avenida del Mar in front of a huge crowd. 34 floats and different groups set the party mood along the coastal promenade.

The parade started at the Fisherman's Monument at 5:00 p.m. and will end four and a half hours later at Rafael Buelna Avenue. Governor Rubén Rocha Moya of Sinaloa, Mayor Edgar González Zataráin, and civilian and military leaders from all levels of government was there.

The second Carnival parade will be held on Tuesday, and this year's edition will take place from the 16th to the 21st of this month. The authorities expect up to 150,000 attendees, so they urge the public to follow instructions and keep an eye on their children to prevent them from getting lost.

Some spectators arrived as early as Thursday to secure their spot on the coastal promenade. Juan Sergio Camacho Torres, the deputy director of the Municipal Transit Police, said that the coastal promenade was closed to cars at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday. He said that drivers could use Cruz Lizárraga, Ejército Mexicano, and Gabriel Leyva avenues as alternatives.

These roads are usually congested, and with a 100 percent increase in vehicles due to Carnival, traffic flow is slow. The Municipal Coordinator of Civil Protection, Eloy Ruiz Gastélum, said that so far, people have behaved well, with only minor incidents reported.

For safety reasons, Missing Children Modules will be available at the Fisherman's Monument, the Aquarium of Mazatlan, and the Mazatlan letters next to Valentinos to give out identification bracelets to children.

The Colorful and Lively Mazatlan Carnival: A Traditional and Festive Celebration

Mazatlan Carnival is one of the most celebrated festivals in Mexico and a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The Carnival is a lively and colorful event, full of music, dancing, parades, and parties that last for several days. It takes place every year in the Mexican city of Mazatlan, which is on the Pacific coast. It is one of the oldest and most traditional carnivals in Mexico.

The history of the Mazatlan Carnival dates back to the 19th century when it was first celebrated in 1898. The carnival was initially a small event, celebrated by a few locals, and focused mainly on the religious aspect of the event. It was meant to mark the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and repentance in the Christian calendar.

However, over time, the Carnival evolved into a more secular celebration, with the emphasis shifting from the religious to the festive aspect. The Carnival grew in size and popularity, drawing visitors from other parts of Mexico and beyond. It became a major cultural event, showcasing the local traditions, music, and dance.

Mazatlan Carnival has its roots in European carnivals, particularly the Carnival of Venice, which is known for its elaborate masks and costumes. The early Mazatlan Carnival also featured masks and costumes, with participants dressing up in fanciful and sometimes outlandish outfits. Masks and costumes were often used to hide the identities of the people taking part. This allowed them to do things they couldn't do in public.

One of the highlights of the Mazatlan Carnival is the crowning of the Carnival Queen, also known as the "Reina del Carnaval." The Queen is selected through a beauty pageant, in which young women from the region compete for the title. The Queen is chosen based on her beauty, personality, and poise, and she is expected to represent the Carnival and the city of Mazatlan for the whole year.

The Carnival also features a series of parades with colorful floats, lively music, and enthusiastic crowds. The parades are led by the Carnival King, also known as the "Rey de la Alegria," who symbolizes the festive spirit of the event. Acrobats, mariachi bands, and folk dance groups are just some of the groups that take part in the parades to show off the local culture and traditions.

One of the most distinctive features of the Mazatlan Carnival is the use of "comparsas," which are groups of people who dress up in elaborate costumes and perform choreographed dances in the streets. The comparsas are a mix of traditional and modern elements, incorporating local music, dance, and culture. Most of the time, the comparsas have a theme, and each group shows a different part of the carnival.

Another interesting aspect of the Mazatlan Carnival is the use of "chirrioneras", which are small cars or motorcycles that are decorated with colorful streamers and flags. During the parades, the chirrioneras are used to move the comparsas and other groups, which adds to the fun atmosphere of the event.

Over the years, the Mazatlan Carnival has evolved and adapted to the changing times while still retaining its traditional character. Today, it is a major event that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience the energy and excitement of the carnival. The Carnival is also an important economic driver for the city, bringing in millions of dollars in revenue each year.

The Mazatlan Carnival has also faced various challenges and setbacks over the years, including natural disasters, economic crises, and security concerns. But the people of Mazatlan have always worked together to make sure the Carnival stays alive and well.