Mazatlán's Carnival is by far the largest popular festivity in the Mexican Pacific and perhaps one of the oldest.
History
It was not until century XIX when all necessary historical elements on the Carnival of Mazatlán were obtained, where the Mazatleco newspaper “La Lechuza”, presented the first inform of the Mazatlecan Carnival.
By the end of century XI, the grotesque mood was favored over the humoristic one in the Carnival festivities; for women, scented flour and egg shells wrapped in glitter paper; for men, flour, ashes-stuffed and multicolor dyed eggshells. Stone-throwing confrontations between both opposing sides pertaining to the merchants and the other to the docks workers would break out in the field with stones.
Still in the last decade of that century, the preferred festivity by the population was May celebrations, organized by the military to commemorate the victory of the Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza over the French Army in the city of Puebla. It was a true carnival symbol product o the national pride for the triumph of the Mexican Army.
Once in 1898, doctor Martiniano Carvajal together with an assembly of local dignitaries, came up with the idea to place carriages and bicycles for the parade to leave behind the flour and introduce confetti.
It was then when confetti was officially adopted and celebrations got modernized introducing the now current Carnival festivity.
And at that spell, Carnivals come one after the other along the passing of fashion and songs, the Machado Plazuela (park) was the beating heart and since then, the heart rate of the Mazatlecos is taken with this Carnival stethoscope.
Later, between 1898 and 1899, the beautiful American Wilfrida Farme, was nominated as the First Queen of the Carnival of Mazatlan, replacing the Ugly Kings or Buffoons that had been established previously. Her presence was perceived with her magnificent entrance in the city in a trolley car drawn by mules, she was escorted by her chamberlains, jollyy ministers and an operetta group.
Locals, regionals, nationals and foreigners assisted to these events in the harbor in wagons, ships, horses, etc.
That year it was celebrated the First Grand Ball of Costumes in the ballroom Círculo Benito Juárez, which then was located across the Machado Plazuela.
Traditions and Activities of Modern Carnival of Mazatlan
Naval Combat
Place: Olas Altas
On Saturday evening the sky of the harbor turns in the backdrop of fire-crackers, laser and sound show known as Naval Combat. It recreates the heroic defense of the harbor from the attempt of invasion by the French corvette “La Cordeliére” in 1864. The fire crackers shots exchanged between the sea and the land represents the cannoning between the local troops in response to the French aggression with the later victory of the Mazatlecos.
Professionalism and devotion are distinctive of the team in charge of carrying out the impressive display of fire crackers which is considered as one among the best in the world.
Parades
First Parade
Place: Avenida del Mar
The most awaited and converged event of the Carnival of Mazatlan is, beyond any doubt, the parade of allegoric carriages, which takes place on Sunday and Tuesday. The waterfront line becomes the most beautiful set in which thousands of Mazatleco families and visitors gather to enjoy the passing rolling fantasies headed by their creator Rigoberto Lewis, who is saluted along the route with the warm affection of the people.
Second Parade
Place: Avenida del Mar
The greatest celebration of the Mazatlecans bids farewell with a second edition of the previous Sunday parade only this time the carriages will travel the waterfront line southwards. In this second parade, the Royal Court, jolly characters thematic groups and collaborators join together in the path that goes through the Carnival zone, par excellence, the Paseo de Olas Altas.
(Above mentioned events are free)
Crownings
Crowning of the King of Jolly
Free Event
In its origins the Carnival would included the election of the King of Jolly or Ugly King, the only male protagonist of the Carnival festivities. Since1965, the title of Sovereign was changed to King of Jolly, reaffirming this way the lively and fun loving spirit that awakens the first day of Carnival, a date set for this celebration in which local artists entertain a massive event.
Crowning of the Queen of Floral Games
Prices: 150, 250, 300, 450, 750, 950 Pesos
Every year, the intelligence and creativity of poets receive due homage during the Floral Games of the Carnival in a multiple consecration event: the one of the Poets Laureate who will crown the Queen and she, in turn, will deliver the Natural Flower and the Poetry Prize to the learned man. The Clemencia Isaura Poetry Award has also occupied from1937 an outstanding space in the Carnival agenda. The roll of the Poets Laureate is as celebrated as that of the jurors, we can mention: Carlos McGregor Giacinti, Rosario Uriarte, Herminio Martínez, Abigael Bohórquez, Juan José Arreola, Pita Amor, Franco Hernández, José Esquinca y Miriam Moscona, among many others.
Crowning of the Queen of Carnival
Prices: 100, 200, 250, 350, 400 and 500 Pesos
Beyond any doubt, this is the more anxiously awaited festivity of the city-harbor. A beautiful young lady who will become the icon of the Carnival after a tough competition in which grace, appearance, intelligence and beauty are s must to obtain this important distinction.
Crowning of the Child Queen
Prices: 150, 250, 300, 450, 750, 950 Pesos
Monday afternoon is when the Crowning of the Child Queen is carried out. Its origins go back to 1921 and since then it is repeated every year with a great exultation and it reaches its peak the moment the little sovereigns receive their attributes. The crowning of the Child Queen of the Carnival and the Child Queen of Poetry attract together en every edition a massive assistance to enjoy the show with nationwide popular singers.
Pacific International Beauty Queen
The Carnival of Mazatlan adds a very international flavor to its festivities by inviting Queens from Central and South America and the United States. Besides of participating in the spectacular parades, the visiting beauties compete for the title of Pacific International Queen, with the only goal to keep together the sister cities of Mazatlan, that every year grow in number.
Children Grand Ball
A sample that the Carnival of Mazatlan gets to be transmitted from generation to generation, the children of the city-harbor enjoy a space especially designed for them, where the festive spirit will invade their hearts. By means of a funny costume contest, the little ones escorted by their parents will test their imagination to create their own costume dresses.
Bad Mood Burning
As a symbolic ritual, the celebrants, by the incineration of a puppet, that is the portrayal of an important public figure that is not a favorite, the harbor makes sure that the Bad Mood will not doom its shores, at least, for a few days.
Calendar of Events and Sites for the 2010 Carnival of Mazatlán |
DAY |
EVENT |
PLACE |
TIME |
05 January |
Last Manifestation |
Stars at the City Woods ends at the City Hall |
16:00 hrs. |
06 January |
Closing of Call for Jolly Characters Groups |
|
19:00 hrs. |
08 January |
Final Score |
Plazuela República |
18:00 hrs. |
09 January |
Asignation of Themes forJolly Character Groups |
Angela Peralta Theater Gallery |
11:00 hrs. |
27 January |
Decision Clemencia Isaura Poetry Award |
House of Culture Patio |
10:00 hrs |
28 January |
Decision Award Mazatlán de Literatura |
House of Culture Patio |
10:00 hrs |
29 January |
Decision Award Antonio López Sáenz of Painting |
House o Culture Patio |
10:00 hrs |
30 January |
Election of Queens |
Angela Peralta Theater |
20:00 hrs. |
05 February |
Opening of Expo Antonio López Sáenz |
Angela Peralta Theater Lobby |
17:30 hrs. |
06 February |
Evening of the Arts |
Angela Peralta Theater |
20:00 hrs. |
11 February |
Crowning of the King of Jolly |
Olas Altas |
20:00 hrs. |
12 February |
Crowning of the Queen of Floral Games |
Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Park |
20:30 hrs. |
13 February |
Crowning of the Queen of Carnival |
Teodoro Mariscal Baeball Park |
18:30 hrs. |
13 February |
Burning of the Bad Mood |
Olas Altas |
21:00 hrs. |
13 February |
Naval Combat |
Olas Altas |
22:30 hrs |
14 February |
First Parade of Carnival |
|
|
|
Commercial Parade |
Av. del Mar |
16:00 hrs. |
|
Pacifico Modelo Activation |
Av. del Mar |
17:00 hrs |
|
Official Parade |
Av. del Mar |
17:30 hrs. |
15 February |
Children Grand Ball |
Spectaculare |
10:00 hrs. |
15 February |
Crowning of the Child Queen |
Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Park |
18:30 hrs. |
15 February |
Lights and Sparkles of Carnival |
Av. del Mar |
21:00 hrs. |
15 February |
Election of the Pacific International Beauty Queen |
Spectaculare |
21:00 hrs. |
16 February |
Second Carnival Parade |
|
|
|
Commercial Parade |
Av. del Mar |
15:00 hrs. |
|
Pacifico Modelo Activation |
Av. del Mar |
15:30 hrs |
|
Official Parade |
Av. del Mar |
16:00 hrs. |
Name of Themes of Carnival
YEAR |
NAME |
1943 |
Victory Carnival |
1962 |
Sea, Love and Fantasy |
1963 |
Fantasy at the Riviera |
1964 |
Oriental Fantasy |
1965 |
There was no theme. It was announced as Musical parade with International Notes" |
1966 |
There was no theme |
1967 |
Fantasy of Old Times |
1968 |
Around the World in Pursuit of Joy |
1969 |
European Fantasy Carrousel |
1970 |
The greatest show on Earth (The Musicals) |
1971 |
One thousand and one fantasies |
1972 |
Once Upon a Time... (A long journey to fable and legend) |
1973 |
The Great Jewels of Song |
1974 |
At the beat of Illusion (Films of yesterday, today and tomorrows) |
1975 |
Joy is the color of the World |
1976 |
Nights of Mazatlán |
1977 |
One Thousand Faces of Dance |
1978 |
An Almanac of Adventures |
1979 |
Masquerade, Love and Fantasy |
1980 |
Splendor of all Five Continents |
1981 |
The Wonderful World of Fantasy |
1982 |
Fantasy of the Seven Seas |
1983 |
Music, Love and and Streamers |
1984 |
The Dazzling Kingdom of Spectacle |
1985 |
A Toast to Past |
1986 |
Where Dreams Come True |
1987 |
Gold of Fantasy |
1988 |
Wonders of the World |
1989 |
Unforgettable Hollywood |
1990 |
If Versailles knew |
1991 |
Let the Tambora Band Follow Me ! |
1992 |
Viva América |
1993 |
From myth to gossip (mitote) |
1994 |
Mazatlán of my Memories |
1995 |
Festivitiess and y Traditions of México |
1996 |
The Origins |
1997 |
The Evolution |
1998 |
The First Century |
1999 |
Winds of Epic |
2000 |
Millennium |
2001 |
...And let the music sound! |
2002 |
Passion for Carnivals |
2003 |
Evoking the Stars |
2004 |
Glory and Splendor |
2005 |
The Warmth of the People |
2006 |
Spirits of Sea and Wind |
2007 |
Spells of Old Harbor |
2008 |
Faraway Stories |
2009 |
Universal Fantasy |
2010 |
With Patriotic Fervor! |
Name of the Queens of Carnival
YEAR |
NAME |
2009 |
Wendy Ponce |
2008 |
Olga Rodríguez |
2007 |
Lucía Aikens |
2006 |
Ana Carolina Escobar |
2005 |
Alexia Medrano Henderson |
2004 |
Miriam Jazmín Bayardo |
2003 |
Adriana Berenice Ramírez Tirado |
2002 |
Rocío Sarahí Osuna Solero |
2001 |
Estrella Palacios |
2000 |
Pamela Farriols López |
1999 |
Lai Hing Audelo Chio |
1998 |
Claudia Yahaira Osuna |
1997 |
Linda De Rueda Cevallos |
1996 |
Abris Ileana Tiznado Magaña |
1995 |
Lissy María Bernal Osuna |
1994 |
Celia Gloria Chávez Carrasco |
1993 |
Amina Blancarte Tirado |
1992 |
Kathia Berenice Morales Luna |
1991 |
Leticia Arellano Rentería |
1990 |
Rocío del Carmen Lizárraga Lizárraga |
1989 |
Maria del Rosario Simancas Espinoza |
1988 |
Rebeca Barrios de Cima |
1987 |
Kathia Hann R. |
1986 |
Laila Rodríguez Bosch |
1985 |
Laura Almada Valdés |
1984 |
Elizabeth Carrillo Iturrios |
1983 |
María Teresa Osuna Valdés |
1982 |
Rocío Molina Malacón |
1981 |
Gladys del Carmen Sánchez Palomares |
1980 |
Ana Isabel Magdaleno Alarcón |
1979 |
Patricia Gorostiza N. |
1978 |
Perla González García |
1977 |
María de los Ángeles Torres |
1976 |
Eleonora Margarita Aguilar |
1975 |
Yolanda de Rueda Alatorre |
1974 |
María Teresa Bastidas L. |
1973 |
Gabriela Rivera Unger |
1972 |
Elvira Gloria Torrero |
1971 |
Rosario Nafarrate Cañedo |
1970 |
Libia Zulema López Monemayor |
1969 |
Adelina Álvarez Sandoval |
1968 |
Irma Tirado Canizalez |
1967 |
Vicky Tirado Almada |
1966 |
Laura Fárber Loaiza |
1965 |
Martha Rochín |
1964 |
Lupita Osuna |
1963 |
Lucina Rosete Aragón |
1962 |
Isela Wong Ramos |
1961 |
Anita de Rueda Alatorre |
1960 |
Lupita Rosete Aragón |
1959 |
Martha Cecilia "Pequi" Tirado Almada |
1958 |
Anabella González Guereña |
1957 |
Rosa María Osuna Righetti |
1956 |
Lupita Rosa Bastidas |
1955 |
Teresa Gómez Millán Tirado |
1954 |
Teresa Olga Osuna Righetti |
1953 |
Emilia Carreón Cornejo |
1952 |
Dora González Guereña |
1951 |
Charito Barraza |
1950 |
Olga Otañez Elenes |
1949 |
Anita Osuna |
1948 |
Cuquita Cruz |
1947 |
Rosa María Olmeda |
1946 |
Gloria Osuna |
1945 |
Gloria Pérez Echegaray |
1944 |
Lucila Medrano |
1943 |
Laura Elena Venegas y Miguel Estavillo |
1942 |
Gloria Arregui y Ernesto Coppel Campaña |
1941 |
Adelina Marín |
1940 |
Isabel Coppel |
1939 |
Alicia Haas M. |
1938 |
Amelia Ernestina Duhagón |
1937 |
Venancia Arregui |
1936 |
Adela Bohner |
1935 |
Bertha Ruffo |
1934 |
Beatriz Blancarte |
1933 |
María Teresa Tirado E. |
1932 |
Josefina Laveaga |
1931 |
María Emilia Millán |
1930 |
Bertha Urriolagoitia |
1929 |
Julieta González |
Names of Queens of Floral Games
YEAR |
NAME |
2009 |
Corina Beltrán |
2008 |
Yolanda Nevárez |
2007 |
Nallely Navarro |
2006 |
Karina Xibillé Nieto |
2005 |
Armida Benítez Olivas |
2004 |
Rosy Guadalupe Beltrán |
2003 |
Geovanna Isaai Bernal Rodríguez |
2002 |
Fabiola Ortega Ramos |
2001 |
Karina Dueñas |
2000 |
Jazmín Gloria Malcampo Mendoza |
1999 |
Tania Álvarez Mexia |
1998 |
Alma Angélica Loaiza |
1997 |
Paloma Palacios |
1996 |
Karla Arámburo |
1995 |
Esmeralda Magaña |
1994 |
Karina Lizette López |
1993 |
Celia Jáuregui Ibarra |
1992 |
Delia Alejandra Montaño |
1991 |
Lolita Madueños |
1990 |
Libia Zulema Farriols López |
1989 |
Gládyz América López Ibarra |
1988 |
Ana Fabiola Osuna Corona |
1987 |
Laura Rojo Fárber |
1986 |
Lupita Rosa Zatarain Castro |
1985 |
Herlinda Vercellino |
1984 |
Marisela Tirado Vizcarra |
1983 |
Celeste Margarita Ojeda Iñiguez |
1982 |
Irma Guadalupe Ríos Portillo |
1981 |
Georgina Reyes Guerra |
1980 |
Cielo Rosa Elorriaga |
1979 |
Sonia del Carmen González Rodríguez |
1978 |
Lorena Xibille |
1977 |
Lucy Favela |
1976 |
Karla Henderson |
1975 |
July McLennan Huerta |
1974 |
Celia Chio Cortés |
1973 |
Lupita Elorriaga |
1972 |
Alma Rosa Chio Cortés |
1971 |
Rosa María López Arregui |
1970 |
Cristina Reynaud |
1969 |
Juany Arámburo Zataráin |
1968 |
Patricia Guevara |
1967 |
Socorrito Cruz Corona |
1966 |
Ruth Avilés |
1965 |
María Elena Rodríguez |
1964 |
Loreta de Rueda |
1963 |
Elba Alicia Tostado |
1962 |
Hortensa Freeman |
1961 |
Alma Valadez |
1960 |
Lupita Rosete Aragón |
1959 |
Martha Cecilia "Pequi" Tirado Almada |
1958 |
Anabella González Guereña |
1957 |
Lucila Llausás |
1956 |
Jannette Collard |
1955 |
Teresa Gómez Millán Tirado |
1954 |
Teresa Olga Osuna Righetti |
1953 |
Emilia Carreón Cornejo |
1952 |
Dora González Guereña |
1951 |
Charito Barraza |
1950 |
María Elvira Patrón |
1949 |
Martha Benítez |
1948 |
Liliana Martínez |
1946 |
Esther Coppel |
1945 |
Gloria Pérez Echegaray |
1944 |
Carmina de Rueda |
1943 |
Dora Gastelum |
1942 |
María Luisa Espinoza de los Monteros |
1941 |
Laura Delia Haas |
1940 |
Lucila Medrano |
1939 |
Alicia Coppel |
1938 |
Dora Gudelia Aspinwall |
1937 |
Ana María Alatorre |
1934 |
Beatriz Blancarte |
1928 |
María Alvarado |
1925 |
Margarita Cruz (Reina de los Juegos Florales de la Feria Regional de Noroeste) |
Names of Kings of Jolly
YEAR |
NAME |
2009 |
Banda "El Recodo" |
2008 |
Gregorio Romero |
2007 |
Saul Maldonado |
2006 |
Aarón González González |
2005 |
Gerardo López Torres |
2004 |
"El Compa" Julian |
2003 |
José Ángel Ledesma Q. "El Coyote" |
2002 |
Ángel Javier Rembao Hernández |
2001 |
Daniel Osuna |
2000 |
Julio Preciado |
1999 |
Mario Medina "El Tequilero" |
1998 |
Miguel Higuera "El Cafetero Asoleado" |
1997 |
Jesús Morales "Chuyito I" |
1995 |
Alonso Casillas "El Choncho" |
1994 |
Jorge Alfredo Gallegos |
1993 |
Óscar Valdés |
1992 |
Arturo Tello |
1991 |
José Ramón Serrano "El Puma" |
1990 |
José Ramón Salas Casillas "El Chino" |
1989 |
Ramón Loaiza "El Salvaje" |
1988 |
El Pollero Salas |
1987 |
Pedro Sarabia "El Chuco" |
1986 |
José Manuel Orozco "El compadre" |
1985 |
Adán López "El Morsa" |
1984 |
Víctor Manuel Chavarín |
1983 |
Juan Diego Páez "El Ostión Feliz" |
1982 |
Jerónimo Marco "El Pirata" |
1981 |
José Ángel Lizárraga "Papucho" |
1980 |
H{ector Manuel Mendoza |
1979 |
Daniel Herrera "Sanfarinfas" |
1978 |
Armando Osuna P. "El Boyte" |
1977 |
Jesús Vega García "El Tambito I" |
1976 |
Teófilo Montes "Macho-Macho" |
1975 |
Jorge Mata "Babalú" |
1974 |
No hubo |
1973 |
No hubo |
1972 |
No hubo |
1971 |
No hubo |
1970 |
José Trinidad Aldás "El Conejo" |
1969 |
José Luis Flores "Kid Turista" |
1968 |
Rodolfo Ramos "El Chocolate" |
1967 |
No hubo |
1966 |
Salvador Curiel "Lotario" |
1966 |
El Pely |
1965 |
Adolfo Tío Pifas |