Merida Carnaval

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We pulled into Merida just after 4 o’clock on the afternoon of Friday the 20th of February. Since we had originally planned to arrive on the 22nd and did not have reservations until then, we decided to check out the hotel Montejo Palace, which we always frequent when in town.


As we drove nearer to Paseo Montejo (one of the main avenues in Merida) we realized that the intersections with this street were getting ready to be closed down. There were bleachers set up all along the median and rows of chairs lining the sidewalks. We pulled into the hotel parking lot to see about a room. While I was inside talking with the hotel staff (really only a matter of minutes) the entrance to the parking lot was closed off and we would not be able to leave with our van until the following morning. Fortunately there was a room available. We paid approximately $50 USD for a room, which was actually more of a suite with a separate sitting area and a balcony. After checking in we went down to say hello to our friends who work in the hotel restaurant. While I was in Merida for six weeks doing research they made me feel safe and at home every day. They are wonderful people and I am forever grateful to have made their acquaintance.


Carnaval begins with Ash Wednesday and continues for an entire week. It is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but much more traditional and much more family oriented; no trading beads for boobs at this event. And, by far, this is the largest and most extravagant and extensive town celebration that Chuck and I have ever experienced!


We reserved a table at Montejo Palace overlooking the street to watch the parade with our friends Martin and Maribel and their daughter and boyfriend the following evening. The parade lasts about two hours, it runs from the monument to the flag all the way to the zocalo (a distance of roughly a couple of miles) and there is one every day of Carnaval. All of the people in the parade (I think about 300) are all from one neighborhood. They make plans and preparations the entire year, every year. The man who is king has been so for the past 40 years. There are floats, dancers, people walking and dancing on stilts, clowns, traditional clothing, and extravagant and extraordinary costumes.


Merida is a city of about a million people and it seems as though each and every one of them gather together for the party and parade each and every day of Carnaval. This is a seriously impressive event and surely it is the biggest and best street party Chuck and I have ever attended.



Muchas felicidades; indeed!

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Photos

Paseo Montejo
the calm before the storm

Paseo Montejo
awaiting festivities

Las Rubias
our friend Martin loves them, el estas enamorado con ellas

and another
what parade is complete without a happy monkey

and a dancing girl on stilts
Charlie will be in love for sure!