Carnaval, One of San Pedro’s Most Unique Holidays, Starts Today! A Few Tips…

Mardi Gras or Carnival, the holiday is celebrated around the world.  The festivus of eating, drinking and naughtiness before the beginning of Lent.  Different places do different things…we all know about the celebration in New Orleans or in Rio (Brazil attracts 70% of its tourists during this week alone!) but in San Pedro, it’s been going on for decades and it is totally unique.

Here is the full schedule.

On a very chilly Friday night – the House of Culture did a photo exhibition…I wanted to go but COLD!  Here is last year’s…stop by this week and check it out.  They have some amazing and hilarious photos.  And  descriptions of the history and traditions.

And Don Juan Carnaval.

Last night was cancelled due to rain but today IT BEGINS with the little kids painting in the afternoon and starting around 4pm…comparsas dancers.  Groups, often cross dressing, that dance for donations and just…fun.

Photos from the last 5 or 6 years.

Love egg eyes in the back.

And when you say “poop” to kids…

There are rules…

I’m headed downtown now to see what has been covered.  Our new Town Council building is going to need some serious security.

And I STILL think this would be a great one day business for someone.  Go to all the spots that have signs in town – there are hundreds – and offer to properly wrap them in plastic.  $100bzd.  You’d make a killing.

Previous years…

Today is the tamest day…little kids having fun.  I have NEVER been painted unless I want some paint.  And it’s super cute to watch the kids covered in paint and to take photos…

And then watch the comparsas groups dance…there is a serious amount of effort that goes into the costumes, the songs and the dances.

Tomorrow is a late afternoon/early evening event with the teenagers…who are a bit more aggressive in the painting department.  You’ll stumble upon a deserted Front Street…wondering what is going on…and then 50 teenage boys will coming running at full speed with face masks and bottles of paint.

They are not after you, but it is an odd and disconcerting feeling.

And Tuesday is just one big evening street party…adults out painting, drinking and just having fun.  Tourists and locals alike.

Don’t be scared.  This is a SUPER FUN holiday.

Just don’t wear your best clothes.