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With music, dance, colors and lots of celebration, the San Francisco Carnival celebrates its 46th anniversary and this 2024 under the motto “Honoring indigenous roots” seeks to recognize and exalt cultures united in the same spirit to share their creative expressions.
Throughout the 46 years of Carnival celebrations, many of the participating groups have chosen to represent themselves with themes imbued with the indigenous communities of Mexico, Central America, South America, the United States, the Caribbean and Brazil.
Proudly wearing folkloric outfits and clothing handmade using the same techniques as their ancestors, Carnival groups showcase the beauty of their native cultures with traditional songs and dances.
Their performances tell stories about preserving the rainforest, waterways, crops, and keeping Pachamama (Mother Earth) in balance. Some of the dances depict the oppression of native peoples and the suffering they have endured through slavery and colonization.
Thus, the San Francisco Carnival has become the largest multicultural celebration on the West Coast.
The free, two-day festival, taking place May 25-26, covers 17 blocks in the Mission District, with five main stages, 50 local artists and 400 vendors. There will also be international food, dancing, tastings and entertainment for families, couples and friends of all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
This year, Dr. Rigoberta Menchú Tum, 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner, will be the Grand Marshall of the Grand Parade, which will take place on Sunday, May 26.
The Grand Parade features a lineup of 60 contingents and more than 3,000 artists representing the cultural heritages of Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Bolivia, Cuba, Peru, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, El Salvador and more.
Festival time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (both days); Parade time: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm (Sunday).
Although the event is free, you can do donations. Get your tickets for the parade stands to get a place.
The parade begins at 24th and Bryant Street and travels west to Mission Street, then along Mission Street travels north to 15th Street.
The Grand Stand seating area will be located outside in front of the Gray Area Theatre (2665 Mission St, SF) and in front of La Corneta Taqueria (2731 Mission St, SF). Tickets are general admission; reserved seating is not available. Wheelchair accessibility is available.
To learn more about this great event visit https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/.
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