It's February, which means that it's time for the Carnaval in La Paz. This year's celebration, held at its usual location on the malecon, will begin
on Thursday the 16th and run through Tuesday the 21st. Each day a parade is held and starts around sundown, often finishing in the dark. The parade
travels in opposite directions each day, so for photographers that can be useful information.
Each year a theme is chosen for the Carnaval, which is reflected in the parade floats. This year's theme is "Myths, Legends, and Personages."
During the Carnaval period, the city closes off around 10 blocks of the malecon and turns it into one large sidewalk with booths on both sides selling
beer and other drinks, food, breads of various types, blankets, pots and pans, wrestling masks, etc. You won't find much in the way of "native"
culture, unless you're looking for the contemporary styles the youth are sporting this year. Although today's Carnavals have little in common with the
ones I experienced as a kid here in the 1960s, they are still worth a visit if you happen to be in the area during this time of year.
It's a good place to go "people-watch" and is one of the only times that it's legal to walk down the street in La Paz while drinking an alcoholic
beverage.
Ouch!
These masks are always a popular item
A glass blower wessongroup - 2-5-2012 at 01:15 AM
Really striking contrast on your first "pic"... also the gal has a great smile.. .
Thanks for sharing ... and some great shots... paranewbi - 2-5-2012 at 05:27 AM
mmmmm, Pan de Texcoco.....mcfez - 2-5-2012 at 08:26 AM
Loads of color! Thanks for sharing.
Hey BajaLou........does SF have a Carnaval each year?Cypress - 2-5-2012 at 08:30 AM
Mardi Gras!!Udo - 2-5-2012 at 12:38 PM
I was expecting at least some "R" rated photos. I relize Brazil is "X" rated, however.Bajatripper - 2-5-2012 at 02:03 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
I was expecting at least some "R" rated photos. I relize Brazil is "X" rated, however.
I'll search my archives and see what I can do.Cypress - 2-5-2012 at 02:05 PM
Fat Tuesday!DianaT - 2-5-2012 at 06:39 PM
That sure looks like a lot of fun! Love the photos--- especially the glass blower. I have not seen one for a long time and I always loved watching
them work!
Have fun and please post lots of photos from this year!Sweetwater - 2-6-2012 at 11:57 AM
Riding the motos to La Paz for some fun at Carnaval. We should arrive Friday the 17th and leave the 19th. Any suggestions for 3-4 motos and riders for
secure parking and rooms? I placed an online request Saturday but haven't gotten a reply.....http://www.hotelsanbernardino.com.mx/index.php?lang=en
Any other spots I should try? I got that one off a search in hotel revues. BTW, the parades are indeed the motivation to come participate....it's not
just about the women....but they are beautiful...........
