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Carnaval

Coyote - 12-3-2008 at 08:37 PM

We're thinking about attending Carnaval in La Paz for the first time this February. Does anyone have suggestions on where to stay? What events should we try not to miss? Any advice to help us plan the trip would be appreciated.

danaeb - 12-4-2008 at 09:44 AM

The area for several blocks around the malecon will be crazy with cars, people and noise. My personal favorite is La Concha for it's little beach, but you'd need a car, and then there's the problem of parking it when you come into town. El Angel Azul is a nice B&B, about four blocks off the malecon, in an old colonial building with thick walls, so it's pretty quiet at night. http://www.elangelazul.com/

fishbuck - 12-4-2008 at 04:20 PM

I went to La Paz carnival a few years back. Very similar to a county fair in the US. There are a few interesting vendors and food courts but I didn't think it was good enough to go back again. Very crowded, very noisey, kinda dirty.

Paula - 12-4-2008 at 07:48 PM

We went to Carnaval 2 or 3 years ago. It was every thing Fishbuck said, but he forgot really FUN! I would happily go again. We stayed at Hotel Gardenias, which is now Bugambilias, as Morgaine recommended. It is the perfect distance from the fair, close enough to walk, far enough not to be noisy all night, and has secure parking. We've stayed since it became Bugambilias, not my all around first choice of hotels but still clean and comfortable, and the rates have gone up a bit, but perfect for this event.

I think there's other stuff he missed too

danaeb - 12-4-2008 at 10:47 PM

[Edited on 12-5-2008 by danaeb]

carnaval.JPG - 37kB

fishbuck - 12-4-2008 at 10:52 PM

I walked up and down the malecon and went in where they have the rides. Just not my scene I guess.
But I didn't see any chicas in skippy costumes. I would have remembered that.

capt. mike - 12-5-2008 at 05:34 AM

"Very crowded, very noisey, kinda dirty."

Fishbuck.....don't go to New Orleans for mardi gras either, you won't like it.
:lol:

lingililingili - 12-5-2008 at 07:00 AM

What stands out in my mind were all the beautiful colors everywhere! BMG and I had our own personal churro eating and judging event! It was very close, they were all deliciious. Kate is right about the Empanadas, wow, they are pretty darn good too!

oxxo - 12-5-2008 at 11:30 AM

We love La Pa' Carnaval - crowded, noisy, a little dirty and fun, fun, fun. Fabulous street food, que colores!, well behaved people, and I'll ride the kamakazi if Kate does. Guests are arriving this year to go with us, we talked it up so much.....oh and go to Rancho Viejo, Tres Virgines, and Milano too.

boe4fun - 12-5-2008 at 12:25 PM

We will be coming down to La Paz for our Rotarian Clinic in February. Does anybody have the dates for the celebration? Thanks. Paul Boe

capt. mike - 12-5-2008 at 02:44 PM

well i am a member of the Rev Ewing's church by mail and the high order of PO Box 2000...but isn't it tied to Easter, lent and so forth? like the week before lent when you have to give up something you like? for me that is maybe cauliflower or something....
but yes, look at a calendar and you can sort it out.
you go all out the final day before Lent. guess for me that means a Costco size box of cauliflower??

oxxo - 12-5-2008 at 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by boe4fun
Does anybody have the dates for the celebration?

February 19 to 24, 2009. I'm giving up menudo for Lent!

fishbuck - 12-5-2008 at 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
"Very crowded, very noisey, kinda dirty."

Fishbuck.....don't go to New Orleans for mardi gras either, you won't like it.
:lol:

Did it once and that was enough. It was way funner than La Paz carnival.
There were prettier girls in New Orleans and they seemed to have a difficult time keeping their shirts on. Since I'm very tall I caught alot of beads. These can be traded for a boob display. Much fun.
When they start doing that in La Paz I might go back. :cool:

I'd love to try carnivale in Rio.

tim40 - 12-5-2008 at 07:40 PM

Fun FUn FUN.....!!! La Paz is wonderful and this event only makes even better!!!! skimpy....darn, I must of been eating from the carts.....again and missed that!

Coyote - 12-7-2008 at 06:22 PM

BajaInsider says the dates SHOULD be February 19-24 in 2009. All the other information is about 2008.
The owner of the Angel Azul (also a favorite place of ours) still has rooms but they do not have secure parking, which sounds like it could be an issue.
I'm still looking for a list of events and activities so we can decide which days to go.
Thanks for all the feedback!

Pescador - 12-7-2008 at 06:53 PM

I have been several times and my favorite are the parades. Everyone buys confetti in blown out eggshells and they spend most of the parade seeing who they can bean with the eggs. Towards the end of the parade route the people on the floats have gotten good at catching the eggs and throwing them back at the people who first threw them. I am less of a fan of Mardi Gras because it seems like most of the people are totally blasted out of their minds and inebriated whereas Carnaval is more of a family event and the drunks are quietly escorted away from the crowds before becoming obnoxious. The different music stages go from down home corny to some real quality performers.
Last year there was a real competition about which Tecate truck got to lead off the parade and it almost comes to bloodshed. The following night Modelo is the main supporter so they play it all over again with Corona, Pacifico, and Modelo trucks.

Bajafun777 - 12-8-2008 at 01:38 AM

I have not gone to La Paz but I have gone to the carnaval in Maztalan and it is really fun. You have the enactment of the ships fighting in the ocean with fireworks of course, must have been at least 4 stages spread out on the malecon had different bands playing at the same time. Skimmy outfits oh yea and beads were definately in order to toss to those that are proud enough or really fair enough to release the pleasures of all mankind to brighten the way for the nights parties. Loads of beer (now it Mexico you buy your own) and some of the best fish food you will find anywhere. Want a small taste of New Orleans go to the old downtown Maztalan and get your fill. So, a party is a party and I do not just let a few rustic areas that may need some repair make my memories but by the cold beer, food, music, people acting seriously funny, and maybe some "show me"for the beads to be thrown. Now, I am not one to encourage such "lift, flash, and pull down" activities by women nor would I even think about letting photos be taken to better remember such activities :spingrin:

, now I am sure I can get Ken and Captain Mike to give me an O'Boy on that :lol:

!! So, I have also heard Cabo has a carnaval of sorts is it anything like Maztalan???? Later------bajafun777

capt. mike - 12-8-2008 at 07:11 AM

ooohhhh....yeah!!!!!!!!!

so let's plan MMZT 2010, only 4.5 - 5 hours from PHX. (mazatlan)
i have a retired relative there. condo connections up the wazoo. :coolup:

Alan - 12-8-2008 at 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Coyote
We're thinking about attending Carnaval in La Paz for the first time this February. Does anyone have suggestions on where to stay? What events should we try not to miss? Any advice to help us plan the trip would be appreciated.

Several of my neighbors offer their units on www.vrbo.com. I've heard the rates are very similar to that of the local hotels for a week. Villas La Posada are about 1 mile to the west of the malecon. Right next to where Humperdink's Hacienda used to be so you are away from the crowds and the noise with all the amenities of home.

Just offering this as a suggestion you requested. I don't benefit by your choice.

BMG - 12-8-2008 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Coyote
BajaInsider says the dates SHOULD be February 19-24 in 2009. All the other information is about 2008.
The owner of the Angel Azul (also a favorite place of ours) still has rooms but they do not have secure parking, which sounds like it could be an issue.
I'm still looking for a list of events and activities so we can decide which days to go.
Thanks for all the feedback!

Look at CasaBuena. Excellent secure parking. Not too far of a walk to the malecon. Run by Milton and Susu. http://www.geocities.com/casabuenalapaz/index.html