Carnaval de La Paz y Cabo San Lucas

While Carnaval was originally established in Europe in the middle ages, the celebration came to Mexico with the Spanish during the colonial period. Still celebrated today, this festival will be held from February 4 to February 9, 2016. Let's take a look at the history of this popular festival and how it's celebrated in Mexico today!

History of Carnaval in Mexico

Carnaval was widely accepted  in Mexico for the fact that it coincided with various indigenous festivals, such as Nemontemi for hte Nahaur and Cabik for the Mayas, both of which refer to the "lost days" of the Mesoamerican calendar. During both festivals, faces were covered to repel of confuse evil. It's popularity continuted because it was one time when normal rules could be broken, especially with the use of masks to hide identities from the authorities. In the 18th century, the crown made a concerted effort to suppress the excesses of carnaval, banning the wearing of masks. Public celebrations of Carnaval waned in the 19th century after Mexico's independence and later Liberal movements discouraged it as an element of the country's colonial past. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the festival as a major public event has made something of a comeback in some areas.

Carnaval in Baja California

In total, Carnaval is significant in about 225 communities throughout Mexico. In the Baja California Peninsula, two main Carnaval celebrations occur in Ensenada and La Paz. The Ensenada Carnaval extends over 6 days and consists of the burning or condemning of an effigy called "mal humor" or bad mood, dances, parades with floats, a royal court and more. Festivities go on until the early morning hours except on Tuesday when Carnaval ends. It is one of the most important tourist events in northwestern Mexico. It attracts about 300,000 visitors each year. The modern La Paz Carnaval began in 1898, making it one of the oldest in the country. Before that, celebration of Carnaval was limited to formal affairs at the houses of the rich.

2016 Carnaval La Paz

This year's theme is "Las Muses de Alegria" or "The Muses of Joy." If you're expecting bead tossing and drunken debauchery, it's not that kind of Carnaval. It is a family event with more modest parades, food booths and cultural events. In addition, there are several stages featuring various musical acts from around Mexico. While this video is in Spanish, it demonstrates everything that you can expect at Carnaval La Paz in 2016:

Carnaval Musas de la Alegría, La Paz 2016.
Vídeo Promocional producido para El Carnaval "Musas de la Alegría" La Paz 2016.
Posted by 2BIG Images on Thursday, January 21, 2016

While the nearest large festival is in La Paz (just a couple hours drive from Cabo), you can also participate in Carnaval festivities right here in Cabo San Lucas. Join Lifestyle Villas during this exciting time of year. Stay in one of our Los Cabos villas and take in all that our sun soaked paradise has to offer. Give us a call at 1-888-655-9589 to make your reservations today!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico! 

LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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