By Fern Corraini
February 28 – March 5
Carnaval La Paz starts this weekend in downtown La Paz! Whether you’re visiting during this time or a full-time resident, Carnaval La Paz is a fun, week-long celebration that is not to be missed.
Unlike many carnavales around the world, Carnaval La Paz is a family festival. No drunken debauchery here. The parades are fun and delightfully tame. And yes, beer and giant cocktails are available, but it’s not the focus of most attendees. Instead, folks stroll through the fair, eat gorditas (fatties), stop in for a game of lotteria (Mexican bingo), buy a hand-woven scarf or a set of pots and pans, or have a laugh over the teenagers braving the stomach-churning rides.
I love watching the fast-talking blanket-man with his microphone, attentive crowd and comedic routine as he auctions off large amounts of furry bundles. There is music everywhere, and each night of carnaval there is a different A-list performer on the malecon stage.
Carnaval La Paz is noisy, people-y and colorful…but my favorite thing about it is seeing happy families and friends having fun. Come for the gorditas, stay for the people-watching.
Be aware that during Carnaval La Paz, the downtown malecon is blocked off to automobile traffic to make room for the stages, vendors, rides and pedestrians. Parking can be a challenge, so plan accordingly. We hope to see you there!
For more information on the schedule for Carnaval La Paz, visit https://web.facebook.com/CarnavalLaPazBCS.
