"Return of the Muse"

Let the Party Begin as LW would say. Yep today was opening day for the 2011 Mazatlan Carneval. The theme this year is "The Return of the Muse". There will be a humongous fireworks show along the city beach &sea wall, Sat. night. Sunday night is the huge much anticipated night time parade. Floats that have been a year in the making, all the schools from primary to university along with the branches of the military have bands, the queen,king, & princess, state&federal dignitaries not to mention international representatives. On Tuesday afternoon the parade will be repeated going in the opposite direction to close the year's celebration. If you are wondering why the parade doesn't happen until Sunday it's because  one it's tradition and for many of the participants (especially in past generations) Sunday is their only day off. Mexico still has a 6 day a week work week for many of it's workers. Therefore it's not until after 6pm that the historical part of town is closed off with street music, parties, food and libations (emphasis on the loud music and libations) :) Along olas Altas there are live bands setup nose to bum to each other. All vying to be heard above the others, and all playing different types of music. It's unbelievable!!! :) Olas Altas is a good 3-4 miles from us and we can clearly hear the calliope!!!

Here is a video from the cultural department for this year. It's in Spanish but you get the idea. The B&W photos are from some of the very early years.

I'm going to have to see if I can get some better pictures of the "eggs" statues along the sea wall. The ones I took the other day are hard to see. What with the sun, sand and reflective water this is not an easy task!!! We are planning on hibernating for the duration  We will walk down to see the night parade and the firework show. But the night time partying we will leave for other fool hearty souls. :)

Hugs to all, stay happy,healthy,artful and safe no matter where in the world you are.   p;)