Mexico has long been a devout catholic country and has long celebrated the carnivals during the period of Lent. Today, the carnivals are celebrated all over Mexico (in some 225 communities) but the most famous are in Mazatlan and Veracruz. So in this article will focus on the celebrations in those cities; these carnivals are total musts to see.
Mexico is just so much more than beaches on the Yucatan or the Mayan Ruins, it is a living breathing modern country with a rich and colorful culture. And yes, Mexico can be a safe destination.
Carnival Of Mazatlan
One of the largest and best-known carnivals in all of Mexico, the next Mazatlan Carnival is scheduled to begin on 24th February 2022 and finish on 1st March 2022. The Mazatlán Carnival is located in the city of the same name in the Mexican state of Sinaloa on the Pacific Coast opposite the Baja California peninsula. Mazatlán is not only a great location to see the carnival, but it is also a favored holiday destination boasting stunning beaches and historic colonial buildings.
- Next Date: 24th February to 1st March 2022
- Size: Reportedly The Third Largest Carnival In The World
- Attendance: Over A Million People
The Mazatlán Carnival takes on a flavor of its own being world-famous for its numerous brass bands and is known to be one of the most unique celebrations in Mexico. Most tourists go to the beaches and so most of the attendees are local Mexicans. During the carnival, school and work come to a grinding halt as the city erupts in vibrance and celebration.
- Local Saying: "In Mazatlan, time is measured by Carnival"
This is without a doubt one of the best places in the world to see and feel the electric energy of carnival. Come and feel one's hair rise on end and feel the energy course through one's veins.
The Mexican carnival here is celebrated with traditional live music, colorful parades, carnival royalty coronations, and fireworks. The palpable festive mood grips the whole city and the party atmosphere is felt throughout.
Come at this time and see seas of smiling happy faces with people socializing, dancing, and drinking all night long. But in Mexico, this is a family celebration and one will see grandparents out with their grandkids. There are people of all ages.
- Families: In Mexico, The Carnival Is A Family Event
Before the celebrations start the Monigotes or the 10 giant multi-colored carnival figurines are paraded through the streets heralding the years them for the carnival.
Veracruz Carnival
Cross to the other side of the country and see the stunning Veracruz Carnival vying for the status of number one in Mexico. The next Veracruz Carnival is scheduled to be held from 23rd February to 1st March 2022.
- Next Carnival: 23rd February to 1st March 2022
- Location: The Zocalo In Veracruz
- Number of Revelers: Around A Million
Veracruz is a Mexican city in the Gulf of Mexico within the state of Veracruz in Mexico's east/center. Being a major port of Mexico, it has long been a mix of a host of different cultures and influences from all over the world (these include Spanish, indigenous, and Afro-Cuban influences).
- Veracruz: Mix Of Different Cultures
Here one will see indigenous Indians of Mexico selling their handicrafts and other wares on blankets on the sidewalks. Many would have walked a day from their villages in hope of selling their crafts.
Like in Mazatlan, in Veracruz, the Mexican Carnivals are at their prime. One will get goosebumps with the energy and exuberance of the festive atmosphere. Veracruz has a special reputation being known in Spanish as “El más Alegre del Mundo” or "The World's most cheerful carnival".
- Nickname: The Nickname Of the People Of Veracruz Is "Jarochos"
Veracruz also lays claim to being one of the oldest carnivals in Mexico and also attractions around a million people to throng its streets. With such festivities, business and normal functioning of the city is nigh pointless, and so the city basically just shuts down over this time.
Many people can't find hotel accommodation - so their cars service that purpose. If there's one thing the people of this city of Mexico love to do, it's party!
Which To Visit?
Between Mazatlan and Veracruz, which should one visit? They both have different atmospheres and are indulgences of festive Mexico at its finest. It is really best to see both in one can. Of course, it's not really possible to attend both in the season as they are concurrent. The solution is one now has the Lent celebrations for the next two years mapped out! See here for free things to do in Mexico.