How to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan, Mexico, is one of the most popular destinations for those who wish to celebrate Mardi Gras (called Carnaval). While New Orleans may host the most dominant Mardi Gras celebration, Mazatlan hosts Mardi Gras with a splash of Mexican culture and tradition. People from all over the world come to Mazatlan to celebrate Mardi Gras each year, and it continues to become more and more popular.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Tourist visa

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mazatlan

1. Book your tickets and accommodations for Mardi Gras in Mazatlan six months to a year in advance. As the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the world, Mazatlan hotels can be filled months and weeks ahead of the event.

2. Visit one of the many art exhibits that are held during the Mardi Gras celebrations. It's not uncommon for local and even international artists to bring their artwork to some of the city's galleries for exhibition and sale.

3. Grab some cascarones, confetti-filled eggs which are popular at Mardi Gras in Mazatlan. The cascarones are thrown in the air, and even at the ground or the walls, to fill the sky with confetti.

4. Note the Sunday prior to Mardi Gras is the busiest in terms of overall activities. All day there are parades, musical events, parties and food festivals.

5. Get to events as early as possible, preferably by walking. Street congestion can become critical as you approach the scheduled start of popular events, and parking is almost impossible unless you are a resident or have a lot of spare cash to burn. Public transportation is also viable, but expensive.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a cruise to Mazatlan to celebrate Mardi Gras. Cruise packages are available for individuals, couples, families and groups. Cruises offer the best of both worlds: world class accommodations aboard the ship as well as excellent access to the Mardi Gras events and parades.
• Be aware that the dates for Carnival vary from year to year, so always check your calendar prior to booking travel to Mazatlan.
• Travel to Mazatlan in a group when you wish to celebrate Mardi Gras. There is safety in numbers, and having plenty of people in your party reduces the risk of mugging or pickpocketing while you celebrate.

Resources

• Information on Carnaval from the official Carnaval Mazatlan website