RogerCulbertson - 25 Mar 2003
Carnival is right in front of my office (Lucky me!). It is Old Mazatlan on Olas Altas Bay. In order to miss it you would have to be blind, deaf and dumb, mostly deaf after midnight. It covers about one mile of the Malecon here in Old Town. Just food booths, about a million beer booths, 100,000 somewhat toasted partiers, probably more than a dozen band stages and about a gazillion watts of power. Someone had asked when the Taste of Mazatlan opens on Plaza Macahdo in Old Town and I now have a schedule. It opens Feb. 27 th. March 1 is the Naval Battle fireworks show. Probably 00 p.m. March 2 is the first parade. March 4 is the second and last parade. I do not have the times.
For those who haven't been, Carnival is a huge street dance,confetti battle, drinking contest. If you come down, bring lots of patience, ear plugs, a covered cup (To keep confetti out of your drink), more patience, and do not wear jewelry or bring your wallet. (There are usually a few pickpockets and purse snatchers). Come about 00 p.m. and unless you are a real party animal, plan on going home between midnight and 2: a.m. After that it really gets wound up!!!
Did I mention patience? The crowds are huge, traffic is a nightmare. To get a cab at 00 a.m. can take an hour and winding through the streets another hour.