Manzanillo Carnaval 2012:
Following in the tradition
of Rio de Janeiro
Click on photos from Carnaval
2012 to enlarge
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The
Brazilian Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese or Spanish) celebration set the standard
for all Carnival pre-Lenten celebrations worldwide.
Originally, Carnaval
was a pagan custom celebrating the arrival of spring. However, Christian culture
was loath to relinquish the popular festival and incorporated it into their
religious traditions.
Carnaval usually begins four days before Ash
Wednesday, which is the start of the Lenten season. During Lent, Christians
prepare for Easter Sunday by fasting or foregoing favorite foods and activities.
Carnaval is a great way to cut loose and enjoy life before the
restrictions of Lent are imposed.
Many cities throughout the
world celebrate Carnival with traditions such as masquerades, parades, feasts,
social gatherings, and dancing. Of course, dancing and reveling lends itself to
appetite building, and in Manzanillo, restaurants along the boulevard are packed
to capacity with diners. |
Ninel Conde |
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David Zepeda
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Manzanillo
Mayor Nabor Ochoa, accompanied by Tourism Minister Fernando Moran and various
other politicians unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 8 details of the "Carnaval 2012
Manzanillo," which will begin on Saturday, February 25, with selection and coronation of
the Queen of Carnival, and will sponsor the film and television actress and
singer Ninel Conde, and actor David Zepeda.
Ochoa
said that this year Manzanillo's Carnaval will be bigger and better than
2011.
The celebrations began with the traditional "burning of bad humor" (getting rid of bad vibes)
in El Centro near the giant blue sailfish sculpture, and on Friday, March 2,
more than 40,000 people viewed a parade down the main
boulevard, from Miramar Beach to Las Brisas. Following the parade, in downtown
Manzanillo tourists and residents were treated to a "Gay Night Gala," featuring
a "drag queen show" with impersonations of famous singers. On Saturday, March 3,
once again, the parade will go from Tapextlies to downtown.
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Another parade
consisted of groups of school children and their teachers dressed in costume. On
March 4,
with all events concluded, there will be the popular festival: the traditional
"burial" of
Juan Carnaval.
The
mayor acknowledged the participation of hoteliers and restaurateurs of
Manzanillo, and also the support
provided by the state government for the implementation and continuous
improvement of the event.
Ten
municipalities in the state participated with floats in the parade. A
prize will be given to the best the night of March 3. The floats were designed
on flat-bed semi
trailers.
The head of tourism hopes the efforts will help Manzanillo gain
national publicity, and called the event the "Carnival of Carnivals."
See the
Competition for Queen of the Carnaval 2011.
Video of Ninel Conde on Manzanillo TV,
Carnival 2012.
You Tube videos of 2012 Carnaval:
Dance, dance, dance! Manzanillo!
Candidates for Queen of the Carnaval
2012 Sexy!
