How to Celebrate Carnival in Mexico

Carnival is to Mexicans what Mardi Gras is to Americans. It is a celebration that lasts for five days and nights, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending the evening before Lent begins. Several cities in Mexico have these celebrations, often around different themes. No matter where you chose to celebrate Carnival in Mexico, several traditions are followed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Catch the beginning ceremony of Carnival at the burning of El Mal Humor (the Bad Mood). This is when an unpopular person or an unsavory local politician is burned in effigy, followed by a fiesta of food and fireworks.
2. Party in the city of Campeche. This town holds the country's oldest Carnival celebration, dating back to 1825. This history-rich city holds a celebration full of tradition and fanfare.
3. Visit the two large parades that are held during the week and the smaller ones that are held daily in many of the cities around Mexico. At the larger parades, a Parade King and Queen are named and celebrated.
4. Travel to Mazatlán for the third-largest Carnival in the world. Shows, food vendors and grand parades are all located on Avenida del Mar on Playa Norte. This is the place to be for people-watching and party-going. This party lasts all night and all day for five days!
5. Party all night in Cozumel. Home to a large Carnival festival, Cozumel puts on a celebration like no other. This Caribbean island swarms with fairy dancers, musicians, and princesses, along with other fun, lively and scantily-dressed characters. Swim and sun during the day, and party, dance and drink all night. You may need a vacation from your vacation after this week.
6. Join in the Fat Tuesday festivities, when many awards are announced and celebrated. Awards are presented at the parades or shows and recognize everything from the best literary work in the town to the best costume made for the festival. It is the final celebration before the restrictions of Lent begin.