One of the things I look forward to the most at Carnaval time is the excitement of the set up and election of Carnaval royalty.Even if you don’t attend the coronations you’ll likely enjoy a fabulous fireworks show at the conclusion of the show. Last week’s election of the King of Joy and the Child Queen had an incredible fireworks show that we enjoyed watching from home!
The monigotes along the malecón are another big treat. This year’s theme is La Linterna Mágica, and the malecón is decorated with 20-something foot tall statues (monigotes) of important film stars. Above and below you’ll see the ones that are in place so far. We are still waiting for Marilyn Monroe, but I think all the rest are in place. (FYI Marilyn was installed Monday morning, her photo is at the end of this post…)
Carnaval kicks off this year on February 7, and they are getting a good start with the setup as the colored strings of lights are up along the malecón and in Centro. The two large freestanding bathrooms are mostly constructed. Some of the ticket booths have been built. The kiosko in the Plazuela Machado is decorated with the neon Carnaval masks used as decorations on light posts a couple of years ago. That’s also where the statue of Al Jolson is.
I hope you enjoy these pictures, I will be adding to a Carnaval 2013 photo gallery throughout the festivities. You’ll find it above on the Photos page.
Sandy
January 21, 2013Wonderful, wonderful pictures, so enjoyed seeing them. Hope you are feeling better every day
Contessa
January 21, 2013I agree these paper mache statues really make Carnaval come alive on the malecon Great shots Nancy.
ellecancun
January 21, 2013Great pics!! I wish Cancun had a Carnaval
Shannon Casey
January 21, 2013I’ve never been to Mazatlan during Carnival. I’ll have to live vicariously through you for this one. Thanks for the wonderful pictures!
Sandy
January 21, 2013Marilyn Monroe monitoge is so-ooo Marilyn Monroe! Thanks so much for adding her picture to the rest of them.
Elvira Jimenez
January 22, 2013Re: Armando “El Torito” Infante is actually Pedro not Armando:) Great pictures!
Eric
January 23, 2013I would love to see all of the Carnival Statues have a longer “shelf life” – similar to the “Neon Park” that has been installed on Fremont Street in Las Vegas.
The neon signs had been rusting in a “neon graveyard” on the outskirts of the city… when somebody got the great idea to clean them up and put them on display for tourists. It is now one of the biggest draws in the old downtown area, and anchors a number of coffee shops, small restaurants, and juke joints. It’s an exciting departure from The Strip.
I wonder if there is a park or area along the new “Tourista Corridor” that could benefit from a “Carnival Corridor” or “Carnival Park.”
Mommy with Commuter Husband
January 27, 2013The statues are quite fabulous
Marty
February 6, 2013We’re going to try hard to get to the malecon to get some good shots of the statues. They really got Marilyn’s legs, didn’t they?
Claudia nomy juarez
February 10, 2013hold on, you mean to tell me that Cancun does not have a carnaval?
mexhapati talavera
February 12, 2013thanks for the carnaval photos…look forward to more