Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:40 PM
In addition to food and drink and a fantastic parade, there are so many Carnaval activities for both young and old. Here are but a few:
rides for kids:
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:41 PM
looking down to see if mama is watching:
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:43 PM
one of the many balloon sellers:
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:48 PM
There are all sorts of games of chance, most of which allow one to bet a peso or two. This particular game got into some pretty big bucks (multiples
of $20US were being won and lost by the boyz in black leather)... and the next night this game was no longer on the street. I suspect it had moved to
a spot behind closed doors.
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:50 PM
There are many really good bands - this one is a family favorite:
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:58 PM
One night of Carnaval always features a popular singer. One year that singer was the heart-throb, Alan. Females from the age of babies to old women
had surrounded the stage area hours before Alan was to appear.
As they began to announce the star, an electricity could be felt shooting through that crowd of women. Body guards were seated, at the ready all
along the edges of the stage. The teens were right there in front of them, ready to storm the stage when their idol appeared.
Then all lights darkened - there was a loud explosion, a good amount of smoke... and when the lights came up... Alan!!! And all those girls began to
storm the stage. Never did really hear Alan's voice over all the screaming - but it sure was fun to watch!
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 01:59 PM
And just to be sure we all behaved properly...
Cypress - 2-4-2007 at 03:14 PM
Natalie Ann, Thanks for all the La Paz carnival pictures. 
bajajudy - 2-4-2007 at 03:57 PM
Nena
Thanks for the beautiful photos. We were just in La Paz. In the Government Building there is an exhibition of past Reina's gowns....some were
unbelievable. I was so bummed that I didnt have my camera.
If you are in La Paz, check it out.
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2007 at 11:59 PM
You're welcome Cypress and Judy.
And yes, Judy, some of those gowns are impressive indeed! Heavy brocades like this one:
Natalie Ann - 2-5-2007 at 12:02 AM
and some are covered in beadwork, like this one. The robes of el rey were beautiful and looked heavy:
FARASHA - 2-5-2007 at 12:05 AM
HM - like every woman I love nice dresses (although I rarely wear them).
NOW- I want to know and try to guess here.? Are those gowns are selfmade? Can't imagine that they just buy all those costumes too. Either they save
all their pennies for it ( like in brazil), or ????? >f<
Natalie Ann - 2-5-2007 at 08:44 AM
Farasha - The dresses and costumes are all handmade, I believe, although not by the people wearing them.
The month before Carnaval, every seamstress in La Paz seems to work 24/7. Sometimes you can see them through the glass windows of the storefronts -
one or two women sitting at tables and sewing furiously, surrounded by bolts of fabric and lace, cards of strung beads, box upon box of sequins, and
thread in every color imaginable. During the last week, the seamstresses are also surrounded by gaggles of small children, all squirming, whose
costumes are finished last.
tripledigitken - 2-5-2007 at 08:50 AM
Natalie Ann,
Wonderful photographs, as usual. Love the "Semi go round"!
Will put the Carnaval on our list of things to do.
Thanks
Paula - 2-5-2007 at 08:56 AM
Farasha, the costumes for the parades and stage performances in Loreto are made here by local seamstresses, and they do beautiful work. I would guess
that the carnival costumes are made to order in La Paz on a much grander scale. Maybe friends and family chip in to help pay?
I always liked fashion too. You probably wouldn't guess it by looking at me!
Edit: Once again the slowest typist in all of Baja is not on the button...
Nena sewed it all up 12 minutes ago
[Edited on 2-6-2007 by Paula]