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Sanfermin es una de las fiestas más grandes del mundo, que se celebra en Pamplona del 6 al 14 de julio, y a la que no puedes faltar por lo menos una vez en la vida

Dicen quienes han vivido las fiestas de Sanfermin en Pamplona que son unas de las más grandes del mundo. Las razones de que Sanfermin ocupe un lugar entre las siete fiestas con más fama mundial es que hay mucha juerga ininterrumpida durante nueve días ... La fiesta no se detiene.

Realmente puedes encontrar momentos de fiesta muy diferentes a cualquier hora. En Pamplona, desde el 6 hasta el 14 de julio, hay espacio para todo el mundo y personas de diferentes edades pueden encontrar lo que les gusta para pasarlo bien. ¿Qué fiestas del mundo te permiten ir con tu hijo o con tu madre y que los dos os lo paséis muy bien? Pocas, y Sanfermin es una de ellas.

©Javier Martínez de la Puente. Sanfermin 2014

9 cosas que debes saber antes de venir a las fiestas de Sanfermin

1) Sanfermin es más que el encierro

El encierro es el acto más conocido de Sanfermin, pero hay muchas otras formas de divertirse del 6 al 14 de julio. Si no te gustan los toros, Sanfermin también es una fiesta para ti. Hay mucha gente, incluso gente de Pamplona, que vive intensamente la fiesta y que ni corre ni ve el encierro.

Echa un ojo al reportaje de San Fermín desde dentro de Coco Petrel para RTVE.

2) Fiestas en honor a un santo

Las fiestas se celebran en honor a un santo católico, San Fermín. Por eso los corredores del encierro le cantan cada día antes de la carrera y se celebra una gran procesión el día 7 de julio desde las 10.00 de la mañana por el casco viejo. Sin embargo, la juerga y la fiesta diaria no tienen un carácter religioso.

3) La fiesta está en la calle

La juerga y la fiesta se viven especialmente en la calle. Es habitual estar en la calle, bailar en la calle, cantar en la calle y hablar y compartir en la calle. Generalmente hace muy buen tiempo en Pamplona en julio y eso hay que aprovecharlo. Eso sí, es importante guardar el equilibrio y respetar también a los vecinos que quieren descansar.

4) Juerga sí, respeto también

La juerga se extiende por toda la ciudad, pero el respeto también. Quienes participan en la fiesta, lo hacen con estas condiciones. Si vienes a Sanfermin comparte estos valores de respeto en cualquier situación, especialmente con las mujeres, y sacarás más partido a tu visita y a la fiesta. En Sanfermin no todo vale.

5) Tú eres el protagonista

El secreto de las fiestas de Sanfermin es que no se viven como testigos o como simples visitantes, sino que permiten al viajero disfrutarlas como protagonista. ¿Te imaginas ir a la final de la Champions League de fútbol o al Seis Naciones de Rugby y que te dejaran jugar? En Pamplona, desde el 6 al 14 de julio es posible, pero tienes que poner de tu parte para poder disfrutar de Sanfermin como uno más.

© Javier Martínez de la Puente. Sanfermin 2014.

6) Fiestas populares

El pueblo de Pamplona y sus iniciativas le dan una vertiente popular a la fiesta, complementando el programa oficial que prepara cada año el Ayuntamiento de Pamplona. Las peñas, agentes animadores de la fiesta, son una de sus expresiones más claras, así como asociaciones de vecinos, asociaciones deportivas, sociedades gastronómicas, marcas como Kukuxumusu, etc.

7) Mucha gente. Pocos planes

Pamplona es una ciudad relativamente pequeña que en Sanfermin multiplica sus habitantes por dos y, los días de fin de semana, por tres o más. Es habitual que, gracias a los viajeros, haya mucha gente por todas partes por lo que es recomendable no hacer planes muy cerrados ni quedar con poco margen de tiempo. Despreocúpate. Un consejo: sigue una peña y a su charanga y déjate llevar.

8) La huella de Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway marcó el camino hacia Pamplona a muchas personas con su obra The Sun Also Rises, como también lo hizo James Michener con The Drifters. La atracción de esas historias siguen en vigor y muchas personas acuden a Pamplona movidos por la literatura de estos dos genios de la escritura. Puedes descubrir los sitios que permanecen intactos en los que Hemingway fraguó sus historias y puede ser una buena excusa para acercarte a la fiesta.

9) Atención sanitaria asegurada

Si te pasa algo, te curarán. Navarra goza, además, de mucha fama en la atención sanitaria tanto para el encierro como para otros accidentes que te puedan ocurrir mientras disfrutas de la fiesta. Sin embargo, si eres de otro país te cobrarán el gasto. Por eso es bueno hacerse un seguro de viaje con la cobertura sanitaria asegurada. Un consejo, consulta las exclusiones ya que el encierro y el salto desde la fuente son alguna de las excepciones de la letra pequeña de las aseguradoras.

No creas todo lo que te cuentan...

-Los toros no corren libremente por las calles. Hay un recorrido marcado, a una hora determinada y con los accesos determinados. Mira la sección cómo correr el encierro para saber más.

-No es obligatorio correr el encierro. No te hace de menos escoger no correr delante de los toros. Es muy nomal ver el encierro desde un balcón o en la plaza de toros.

- No es una tradición local saltar desde la Fuente de la Navarrería. Sí que es una costumbre de algunos viajeros extranjeros. Consulta los peligros de la fiesta de Sanfermin.

- Sanfermin no es una fiesta sexual. Es una fiesta donde se respeta como en cualquier otra situación a las mujeres y a los hombres de cualquier condición y clase.

- No es normal dormir en los parques de Pamplona en Sanfermin en lugar de en un hotel, apartamento o un camping. Sí es normal ver a gente derrotada por la fiesta que descansa donde puede mientras se recupera para arrastrarse hasta su destino. Está prohibido, de hecho, acampar en las extensas zonas verdes de Pamplona, aunque si alguien se queda dormido en un parque al raso porque es incapaz de retornar por sí mismo a su casa u hotel nadie le va a decir nada.

© Mikel Ciaurriz. Sanfermin 2015.

¿Por qué el pañuelo rojo en Sanfermin?

El pañuelo rojo es un distintivo de la vestimenta típica de las fiestas de Sanfermin, tanto, que la tradición dice que lo puedes llevar anudado al cuello mientras las fiestas estén vivas. Es por ello que antes del lanzamiento del cohete o txupinazo la gente lo lleva en la muñeca, en el bolsillo o en la mano, y los exhibe al aire cuando quien se encarga de inaugurar las fiestas grita: "Viva San Fermín, Gora San Fermín". Una vez que empieza la fiesta todo el mundo se lo anuda en el cuello.

Además de quedar bien con el blanco y de teñir la ropa -si es de mala calidad y lo lavas con lo claro a más de treinta grados-, el pañuelo tiene un origen religioso.

Según el ex-párroco de la Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Pamplona, que es donde se encuentra la capilla en honor a San Fermín, Jesús Labari -ya fallecido-: "No se sabe a ciencia cierta y con hechos probados el momento en el que se comenzó a usar el pañuelo, pero sí conocemos sus motivos. Para las ceremonias religiosas en honor a un santo, si éste ha sido mártir y ha muerto por sus creencias, los sacerdotes nos vestimos de rojo. En el caso de las fiestas en honor a San Fermín así lo hacemos porque sufrió martirio y lo del pañuelo rojo es una interpretación de la gente de esta costumbre religiosa."

Otras teorías sitúan la costumbre en el llamado Voto de las Cinco Llagas. Éste se instauró en 1599 como acción de gracias por la erradicación de una epidemia de peste que mató a un tercio de la población de Pamplona. Para curarla se colocaba en el pecho de los enfermos un sello con la representación de las Cinco Llagas de Cristo. Por lo visto, dada la efectividad de la medida y en agradecimiento, las autoridades de la Ciudad decidieron celebrar perpetuamente este voto llamado "de las Cinco Llagas". La representación de éstas llagas es, al parecer, muy similar a cómo queda un pañuelo al cuello.

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Sanfermin es una de las fiestas más grandes del mundo, que se celebra en Pamplona del 6 al 14 de julio, y a la que no puedes faltar por lo menos una vez en la vida Dicen quienes han vivido las fiestas de Sanfermin en Pamplona que son unas de las más grandes del mundo.

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THE 2023 FIESTAS DE LA CALLE SAN SEBASTIAN will be Jan 19-Jan 22, 2023

It is no secret that people in Puerto Rico know how to party, especially around the Christmas holidays. Announce that there will be a parade, music, dancing, libations, food - then add in local artisan crafts for sale - and it all adds up to one crazy celebration!

That is the usual San Sebastián Street Festival ( Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián) in a nutshell. It has been an annual event on Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan since 1970, and what started as community fund-raiser has become THE festival to go to. Loads of locals and tourists attend this multi-day event.

Early Festivals

San Sebastián (Saint Sebastian) was a Christian who was martyred for his faith. There is a street on the north side of Old San Juan named in his honor.

The original "festival" (in the 1950's) was organized by a priest at the San Jose Church, which is located on San Sebastián Street, to celebrate the feast day of San Sabastián. The annual feast-day festival lasted only a few years.

In 1970, the festival was restarted and it has been held annually ever since. It always occurs around San Sebastián's feast day, which is January 20th. The festival is typically held on the third weekend of January, and usually runs from Thursday to Sunday. Always double check exact dates before making vacation plans around these dates as things have been known to change from year to year.

San Se Today

The San Se Festival has evolved over time, though it still is full of tradition and Puerto Rican cultural heritage. Mostly, it is a great big party, with people enjoying every aspect of it. It is attended by hundreds of thousands of people, who are very much part of the entertainment scene.

Folks lucky enough to have a birds-eye view line the colorful balconies along Calle San Sebastián, and on the rest of the parade route, watching and shouting to the throngs of people in the streets below. Everyone else hits the streets. It's basically the Puerto Rican version of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, without the beads and breasts.
For 2023, the festival will be held from Thursday, January 19 through Sunday, January 22.
There are lots of live music shows, both traditional and contemporary. The musicians perform on stages around the Old City , but the main stage is at the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. But also expect music/dance to happen randomly & spontaneously throughout the streets, where people join in the song and dance. There are plenty of dance performances, both folkloric and modern, by professionals and party-goers alike. And all along the parade routes you will find food, drink, and artisans displaying/selling their works.

Itinerary for 2023 Festival

Thursday Jan 19, 2023

5pm ribbon cutting and the traditional parade of people, pleneros and cabazudas

Friday Jan 20, 2023

4pm Mass honoring San Sebastián in Iglesia San José then a procession at 5pm from calle San Sebastián to Quinto Centenario

Saturday Jan 21, 2023

2pm traditional period dance in the Plaza de Armas

Sunday Jan 22, 2023

11 am procession from Plaza Colón along Calle San Francisco to the Cathedral of San Juan

Music Schedule

from Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián Facebook
Artisans

There will be artisans set up all along the Paseo de Princesa from 10am - 10pm from 1/19/23 - 1/22/23. There will also be artisans set up at the Ballaja building thursday 1/19/23 from 12pm - 7pm and Fri- Sun from 10am - 7pm. And artisans will also be set up in the Instituto de Cultura Puertoriqueno (across from the Ballaja) from Friday- Sunday from 10am - 7pm.

Other Activities

Cataño will also be alive with music, activities and artisans on these dates. So, for those who don't want to go over to Old san Juan (or while you are waiting for the ferry), there will be plenty of fun to get you in the party spirit

from Municipio Autónomo de Cataño Facebook
Public Transportation To/From Old San Juan

The Department of Transportation is expecting record-breaking attendance at the festivities in Old San Juan over the four days. It is highly recommended that you use public transportation versus trying to drive into Old San Juan.

The ferry between Cataño and Old San Juan will operate from 7:30am to 2am during the festival. Cost is $1 per person round-trip. Get more info or buy ferry tickets online, or in the City Experiences app.

The AMA buses and other Buses and Guaguas (multi person vans) will operate from the Sagrado Corazón station and Hiram Birthorn Stadium into Old San Juan. Parking at Hiram Birthorn Stadium is $5.

The Tren Urbano will operate from 5:30am during the festival. Cost is $1.50 per trip. You can park for $3 at the Plaza de la Convalencencia or Plaza de Rio Piedras in order to take the train.

There will be taxi service available at the Convention Center. There is a fee for parking.

Uber will operate as usual. They will drop off in the vicinity of the Hacienda building (or nearby) in Old San Juan.

Parking will be available at Covadonga beginning at 8am for the flat rate of $5 for the day. Puntilla lot will NOT be open. Traffic will be a nightmare. Use public transportation. The private parking lots (like Ballaja, Dona Fela, Trecero Milenio etc) will also be open.

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid ... then don't do it! Read more about Safety →

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SanSe San Sebastian Street Festival | Fiestas de la Calle Old San Juan

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THE 2023 FIESTAS DE LA CALLE SAN SEBASTIAN will be Jan 19-Jan 22, 2023 It is no secret that people in Puerto Rico know how to party, especially around the Christmas holidays. Announce that there will be a parade, music, dancing, libations, food - then add in local artisan crafts for sale - and it all adds up to one crazy celebration!

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▷ Discover the Best CARNIVALS of 2021 from around the world

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What is the Carnival of Ponce?

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Ponce Carnival or Ponceño Carnival is a 5-day celebration that has been held every year for more than a century. Today it constitutes one of the oldest and most important carnivals in the country. The carnivals feature a large repertoire of activities, including the coronation of the Carnival Queen, the Grand Parade, artistic presentations and the corresponding Burial of the Sardine..

Also, the carnival has the particularity of maintaining in its traditions the characters called "Vejigantes". These characters are characterized by wearing masks somewhat grotesque with open jaw, exposed teeth and horns from his face and head. In addition, they carry pigtails and inflated bladders, painted in colors with which they annoy people. These characters represent good over evil.

Ponce Carnival is considered " the carnival of Puerto Rico" and attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year with its name. In addition, the Carnival is a great contribution to the city's economy, with around US$500,000 per season.

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When is the Ponce Carnival[/h2>?

The Ponce Carnival will take place from approximately February 10 to 16.

History of the Ponce Carnivals

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It is believed that the Ponce carnival has influences from the Nice carnival, when the tradition was carried through Spanish immigrants who arrived in Ponce..

At present, there is no specific date as to when the carnivals in Ponce began to be celebrated, however, they are first mentioned in 1858. In that year a mask dance was held, carried out by José de la Guardia. The dances were perpetuated as a tradition until the mid-20th century, when other traditional elements were added to the festivities. In the 1960s, carros alegóricos, which were performed by the different sectors of society, including the educational, private and public sectors, began to be integrated.

In 1995 different artists took to New York the different elements of the Ponce carnival to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, where they also participated in mask making and exhibitions.

Where is the Ponce Carnival

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The Ponce carnivals are held in the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico..

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How the Ponce Carnival is celebrated

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The Ponce Carnival or Carnaval de Ponce is a celebration full of color, music and cultural manifestations. Year after year, thousands of tourists come to the town to be part of one of the most emblematic carnivals in the country. Its colorful and mysterious characters, the Carnival Queens and the cultural performances are undoubtedly the most festive elements of the carnivals. However, there are a number of lively refrains that stand out during the carnival season that have characterized this celebration for several decades.

As people pass through the streets they are heard chanting the following refrains:

"Vejigante a la bolla, pan y cebolla."

"Toco toco toco toco, Vejigante come coco".

"Prucuta prucuta y bueno que'tá"

"Esa vieja e' bruja, bruja es y tiene los ojos color cafe"

"Vejigante ate mango and even his nails were lambió"

"The Vejigante is painted in yellow and corolla".

Tips for going to the Ponce Carnivals

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If you want to attend the Ponce carnivals, be sure to plan your trip in advance, make a travel itinerary and book your lodging with some time to spare.

Also, we recommend you bring a raincoat or umbrella, as there is a chance of precipitation.
If you want to know more about tourism in this country, I recommend this guide:
Events in Ponce Carnival

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The first day of the celebration is the entrada del Rey Momo. During the day, cultural activities and musical presentations take place. Also, the farewell parade of queens and the entrance of the King Momo take place.

The following day, the crowning of the Children's Carnival Queen and the crowning of the Carnival Queen take place. During the day some parades are held with the presence of bands, musical presentations, dances and presentation of flags.

The following day takes place the Grand Carnival Parade with the presence of the Carnival Queens, the comparsas with their carrozas and the bandas musicales. The dancers take to the streets of the city to perform their choreographies. The Vejigantes also make an appearance with their inflated and painted vejigas.

Finally, the Burial of the Sardine takes place, bringing the carnivals to an end.

Ponce Carnival Parades

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The carnival parade takes place on the last day. The streets are filled with people who want to witness the arrival of the floats and comparsas.

From afar you can see the dancers with their colorful and bright costumes, performing choreographies and enjoying the festivities. Also seen is the presence of the Vejigantes, who with their inflated and painted bladders make a ruckus and slap the people. The streets of the city are filled with music with the bands, prolonging the celebration for several hours.

Parade route

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Normally, the parade starts at Centro del Sur and ends at Plaza de Las Delicias.

What to eat at the Ponce Carnival

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One of the foods you can try during the carnivals of Ponce is the Mofongo, a dish that is made with fried green plantains, seasoned with salt, garlic and onion. You can also try the sancocho, a meat, vegetable and corn broth.

In addition, the city of Ponce offers you some alternatives to eat out. Some of these are: Lola, El Negocio de Panchi and La Casa Del Chef.

Travel Insurance

From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurances. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

What to see and do inside the Ponce Carnival

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Within the Carnival you can attend the entrance and parade of King Momo which is accompanied by some cultural performances, music and dancing. Likewise, you can also attend the crowning of the Carnival Queens with their respective parade.

In addition, you cannot miss the Grand Parade with the presence of the carrozas, comparsas, dancers, cultural presentations and Vejigantes. Finally, you cannot miss the Burial of the Sardine, the culmination ceremony of the festivities.

During the festivities there are musical presentations and traditional dances in which you can also attend.

If you don't want to complicate things, you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city here:.

What to see and do outside of the Ponce Carnivals

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The city offers you some tourist attractions such as:

Parque de Bombas

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It is a historical monument where you can find articles and historical pieces of the city.

Ponce Art Museum

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It is a museum that was inaugurated in 1965. Within its facilities are thousands of pieces in the different galleries, which are composed of paintings from regions such as Spain, France and England.

Caja de Muertos

(Box of the Dead).
It is an island located a few kilometers from Ponce. It is currently uninhabited and is listed as a nature reserve.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your entrance ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

Safety at the Ponce Carnival

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The city of Ponce is relatively safe. We recommend you implement basic preventive measures that you would use in your hometown. Also, we recommend the following products to store your items safely:

Weather at the Ponce Carnival

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The weather is pleasant during the celebration of Carnival in the city of Ponce, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius. However, there is some possibility of precipitation.

How to get to the Ponce Carnival

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The closest airport to Ponce is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the main air gateway to Puerto Rico. From here you can use different means of transportation to get to the city of Ponce.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

How to get there by car

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From the airport you can take the PR-52 Highway to Ponce. The drive is 1 hour and a half.

Where to stay in Ponce Carnival

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3-star hotel 250 meters from the center. Rooms have satellite TV and private bathrooms. The hotel offers parking and free wifi.

4-star hotel 150 meters from the city center. Rooms have television and private bathrooms. Facilities include laundry service, swimming pool, bar, parking and free wifi.

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3-star hotel 250 from the city center. Rooms have air conditioning, cable TV and private bathrooms. The hotel offers 2 swimming pool, bar, parking and free wifi.

We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.

Thank you for reading

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If you liked this article and found it useful share it on your social networks or collaborate by inviting us for a coffee at Paypal so we can continue creating useful content. Click here to collaborate:

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▷ Ponce Carnival, Puerto Rico ▷ BEST Guide with Dates and info

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Ponce Carnival or Ponceño Carnival is a 5-day celebration that has been held every year for more than a century. Today it constitutes one of the oldest and most important carnivals in the country. The carnivals feature a large repertoire of activities, including the coronation of the Carnival Queen, the Grand Parade, artistic presentations and the corresponding Burial of the Sardine..

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Guatemala

Inscribed in 2008 ( 3.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2005)

© Ministère de la Culture et des Sports du Guatemala

The Rabinal Achí is a dynastic Maya drama, which developed in the fifteenth century and a rare example of preserved pre-Hispanic traditions. It comprises myths of origin and addresses popular and political subjects concerning the inhabitants of the region of Rabinal, expressed through masked dance, theatre and music.

The oral and written narrative is presented by a group of characters, who appear on a stage representing Maya villages, such as Kajyub', the regional capital of the Rabinaleb' in the fourteenth century. The narrative, divided into four acts, centres on a conflict between two major political entities in the region. The main characters are two princes, the Rabinal Achí and the K'iche Achí.The other characters are the king of Rabinaleb', Job'Toj, and his servant, Achij Mun Achij Mun Ixoq Mun, who has both male and female traits, the green-feathered mother, Uchuch Q'uq' Uchuch Raxon, and thirteen eagles and thirteen jaguars who represent the warriors of the fortress of Kajyub'. K'iche' Achí is captured and put on trial for attempting to steal Rabinaleb' children, a grave violation of Maya law.

Since colonization in the sixteenth century, the Rabinal Achí dance has been performed on Saint Paul's day on 25 January. The festival is coordinated by members of cofradías, local brotherhoods responsible for running the community. By taking part in the dance, the living enter into "contact" with the dead, the rajawales, represented by masks. Recalling their ancestors is not simply a means of perpetuating the heritage of the past. It is also a vision of the future, since one day the living will join their ancestors.

The impact of armed conflict especially in the departamentos of Rabinal and K'iche has almost led to the disappearance of this dance. Today, it is especially threatened by the precarious economic state of the custodians and the community as a whole. It is also confronted with folklorization and trivialization, which seriously threaten the transmission of knowledge and values associated to the performance of this drama tradition.

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UNESCO - Rabinal Achí dance drama tradition

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The Rabinal Achí is a dynastic Maya drama, which developed in the fifteenth century and a rare example of preserved pre-Hispanic traditions. It comprises myths of origin and addresses popular and political subjects concerning the inhabitants of the region of Rabinal, expressed through masked dance, theatre and music.

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Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

Inscribed in 2008 ( 3.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2001)

The town of Oruro, situated at an altitude of 3,700 metres in the mountains of western Bolivia and once a pre-Columbian ceremonial site, was an important mining area in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Resettled by the Spanish in 1606, it continued to be a sacred site for the Uru people, who would often travel long distances to perform their rituals, especially for the principal Ito festival. The Spanish banned these ceremonies in the seventeenth century, but they continued under the guise of Christian liturgy: the Andean gods were concealed behind Christian icons and the Andean divinities became the Saints. The Ito festival was transformed into a Christian ritual, celebrated on Candlemas (2 February). The traditional llama llama or diablada in worship of the Uru god Tiw became the main dance at the Carnival of Oruro.

The Carnival, which takes place every year, lasts ten days and gives rise to a panoply of popular arts expressed in masks, textiles and embroidery. The main event in the Carnival is the procession or entrada. During the ceremony, the dancers walk the four kilometres of the processional route and repeat the journey for a full twenty hours without interruption. More than 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians organized in about 50 groups take part in the procession which still shows many features dating back to medieval mystery plays.

The decline of traditional mining and agriculture is threatening the Oruro population, as is the desertification of the Andean high plateau, which is leading to massive emigration. Urbanization has given rise to acculturation as well as a growing generation gap. There is also uncontrolled financial exploitation of this Carnival.

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The town of Oruro, situated at an altitude of 3,700 metres in the mountains of western Bolivia and once a pre-Columbian ceremonial site, was an important mining area in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

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Cuba's festival scene would be incomplete without the vibrant Fiesta del Fuego (Fire Festival). Visitors to Santiago de Cuba can take in the dance and celebrations while being near some of Cuba's most interesting monuments and natural treasures. Read on to learn more about the Fiesta del Fuego and what else the region has to offer.

What is Cuba's Fiesta del Fuego

This 3-day festival that takes place annually in Santiago de Cuba is considered one of the 10 must-see festivals in the world. It features street dancing, exhibitions, night parties, and Cuban music, highlighting the cultural expressions of the Caribbean.

The carnivals and parades begin in the morning and last until late in the evening. The Fiesta del Fuego, also known as the Caribbean Festival, began in 1981, and it pays tribute to a different country from around the region at the beginning of July. It attracts visitors from Australia, Hungary, Israel, and many others.

What to expect at Fiesta del Fuego

The festival kicks off with a majestic cultural gala at the Heredia Theatre. There is not a single cultural institution in Santiago de Cuba that is not involved. Still, the main event of the festival is the Fire Parade which takes place on the final evening. Paying tribute to Cuban beliefs, the parade begins with a ritual salutation to Nzambi Congo, a supreme god in the Palo Monte religion. With hundreds of drums echoing in the background, the festival attendees burn a huge effigy of the Devil, which symbolises the liberation of good and happiness and marks the start of a big street party.

Everybody is welcome to join in the dance and celebrations. Street parades and congas are held throughout the city. About 2,000 artists and intellectuals from as many as 18 countries take part in the Cuban Festival del Fuego every year. Delegations from all countries of the Caribbean get together here at the beginning of July. Different concert venues are organized and dedicated to traditional music, theatre, dance, and religious ceremonies. Food stalls and children's games are also available, making the festival suitable for all ages.

History of the Fire Festival

Even though it was first initiated in 1980, the first Festival del Fuego was officially organized in 1981 by the intellectual Joel James Figarola. He was also the founder of the Casa del Caribe (Home of the Caribbean), an institution that initiates a range of versatile events involving Caribbean traditions and the environment.

Joel James Figarola was an important Cuban intellectual, essayist, and writer. He also founded a magazine called 'Del Caribe' and wrote countless articles, stories, and historical works related to Cuban culture and traditions.

Each year the Fire Festival is dedicated to a different country or a group of countries that links the Caribbean tradition to its African roots, creating a mixture of cultures and nations that inhabit Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city on the island.

Visiting Santiago de Cuba

The Fire Festival is the second largest event in the city apart from the famous Santiago Carnival at the end of the same month. These festivals celebrate the long history of Santiago, which was founded in 1515 in the south-eastern part of Cuba.

Santiago de Cuba is also known as The Cradle of the Revolution or The Balcony of the Caribbean. The city saw Fidel Castro proclaiming the victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959 from a balcony in the city hall. Santiago is also the birthplace of the world-famous Bacardi brand and is home to the San Pedro de la Roca citadel. The monument is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as the best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture.

The climate is warm all year round, but the best time to visit is during the so-called dry season, which lasts from November to April. The summer months of July and August are very pleasant and hot. This time of year coincides with the school break and can be considered the island's festival season.

Extend your stay

If you spend enough time in Santiago de Cuba, there are a few spots you should visit outside the city.

About 20 km west of Santiago, you will find the famous Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Cobre. This church is visited by numerous pilgrims every year. People take the journey to this sacred site in an effort to pay homage to the Virgin of Charity. This is also the place where Ernest Hemingway left his Nobel Prize for "The Old Man And The Sea" as a religious offering.

A holiday in Santiago de Cuba would also be a good opportunity to see the Spanish fortress of Castillo del Morro, which rises above the bay of Santiago. It provides a stunning view of the bay and houses the Museo de la Pirateria (Museum of Piracy).

For those into hiking and trekking, the nearby Sierra Maestra mountain range offers easy access to Pico Turquino - the highest peak in Cuba at 1,974 meters. It is located 130 km west of Santiago de Cuba, with a long hike trail that can last 2-3 days or a short one that takes just 4 to 6 hours.

Another interesting spot to visit close to Santiago de Cuba is Cayo Granma, a charming fishermen's island with no cars and hotels. It features a sandy beach and a small park where locals come to play domino. The island is well worth a visit as it has a good seafood restaurant. It only takes 15 minutes to walk around the entire island, which has a total population of about 750 people.

Final thoughts

Santiago de Cuba is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Cuba. If you book your holiday in July, you will be able to fit both the Fire Festival and Santiago Carnival in one go! Even with so many parties on your schedule, you will have the chance to lounge at the white sandy beaches of Cuba or even venture into one of its National parks.

Love Cuba is the UK's leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com

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Cuba's Fiesta del Fuego (The Fire Festival) - Love Cuba Blog

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"Cuba's Fiesta del Fuego: The Fire Festival That Ignites Santiago de Cuba" - This blog post explores the vibrant and fiery Fiesta del Fuego (Festival of Fire) in Santiago de Cuba, showcasing the cultural significance and celebrations of the event.

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Antioquia, the department in northwest Colombia that counts Medellín as its capital, is one of the largest cut-flower-producing regions in the world. With ample sun, year-round spring temperatures, and regular rain, the climate in this mountain region is ideally suited for an incredible variety of blooms. Seventy percent of cut flowers imported to the U.S. come from Colombia's prolific flower industry.

Every year in late July and early August, the streets and parks of Medellín erupt in a 10-day celebration of flowers. With events like a city-crossing convoy of festively decorated chiva buses, a procession of close to 7,000 horses, and a children's parade, the Feria de las Flores is also a showcase of Medellín, a city of resilience, hospitality, and charm.

An important part of Antioquia's culture for more than 50 years, the festival traces its beginnings to Santa Elena, a small mountain town 45 minutes east of Medellín. The sunbathed fields surrounding Santa Elena are the traditional home of Antioquia's flower industry. Flower vendors in the area, known as silleteros-a name derived from the wooden seats ( silletas) that were used to manually transport people in a distant colonial past- have long been renowned for their artistry and for the quality and variety of their flowers. In 1957, the silleteros of Santa Elena received an invitation from a member of Medellín's tourist bureau to display their wares in the city. About 40 silleteros made the trip that year and were received with such exuberance by locals that the display became an annual event.

Santa Elena remains the staging area for the Feria de las Flores. In the honey-colored days leading up to the festival, silleteros arrange millions of buds onto three types of silletas. The more traditional silletas-a bit smaller than the body of a wheelbarrow-are worn on the back and closely resemble the wooden seats used for human transport generations ago. An inset wooden grid in the silleta holds flowers at a 45-degree angle. Before motorized transport, these silletas were used to transport flowers door-to-door to Medellín residents.

The larger silletas emblemáticas (emblematic silletas) add a sturdy base to the traditional design. The result is a floral diorama in which vivid scenes and written messages are designed from contrasting blooms and flexible pine buds. The silletas monumentales (monumental silletas)-the largest class of silletas-are gargantuan interpretations of either of the two designs. Carrying these arrangements that reach 170 pounds, the silleteros are often older men and women, revered in the Paisa (farming) culture and honored by adoring parade-goers. The tradition of the silletas monumentales is a family affair and is passed down with pride through generations.

Silletas and Silleteros

Jason Burnett / About Author

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Antioquia, the department in northwest Colombia that counts Medellín as its capital, is one of the largest cut-flower-producing regions in the world. With ample sun, year-round spring temperatures, and regular rain, the climate in this mountain region is ideally suited for an incredible variety of blooms. Seventy percent of cut flowers imported to the U.S.

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Barranquilla's world famous carnival is a joyous celebration of everything it means to be Colombian, with dancing, music and parades [...]

Barranquilla's world famous carnival is a joyous celebration of everything it means to be Colombian, with dancing, music and parades that turn its streets into a rainbow. Here is everything you need to know to be part of this essential Colombian experience:

Why?

Photo: Carnaval.com Studios (Flickr)

Barranquilla's carnival is the biggest celebration of folklore in all Colombia and one of the world's largest carnivals, with more than a hundred years of tradition. The festivities run for four days and Colombians and visitors alike party in the streets in a colorful celebration of Colombian culture. UNESCO declared the Barranquilla Carnival a Masterpiece of Humanity's Intangible and Oral Heritage in 2003 and the carnival was proclaimed a Cultural Masterpiece by the Colombian government. Its slogan is "Quien lo vive es quien lo goza (He who lives it, enjoys it).

What?

Photo: Carnaval.com Studios (Flickr)

The streets of Barranquilla are filled with music, dancing and fun during the carnival with street parties, masked parades and celebrations of traditional music. Colombian rhythms such as cumbia, porro, gaita and puya and dances including the Spanish paloteo, African congo and the indigenous mico y micas are heart and soul of the party, along with vigorous drumming and wind instrument performances and, of course, the good citizens of Barranquilla can't resist dousing one another with flour and foam.

When?

Photo: Carnaval.com Studios (Flickr)

The carnival begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday with La Batalla de Flores (The Battle of the Flowers) which is the carnival's most important event. It's a six-hour show presided over by the Carnival Queen with folk dancing, fire breathers, live music and colorful floats. It's followed by La Gran Parada (The Great Parade) on Sunday, when dance groups compete against each other and festival-goers take to the streets in masks and disguises. The Orchestra Festival is held on Monday, dominated by Latin and Caribbean beats and the carnival ends on Tuesday with the symbolic burial of Joselito Carnaval.

Where?

Photo: Michele Mariani (Flickr)

The city of Barranquilla sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast and its citizens are given a special four-day holiday to celebrate their carnival. They begin their festivities weeks in advance too, with the crowning of the Carnival Queen and the celebrated "taking of the city" as well as La Guacherna, a night parade with music, dancing and masquerades.

How?

Photo: Otto Nassar (Flickr)

Visitors need tickets and most buy them in advance from sites such as tuboleta.com. It's a good idea to invest in a carnival outfit too, usually a colorful mix of sequins, feathers and flowers. Accommodation ranges from hotels and hostels to couchsurfing and Airbnb and it's best to book that in advance too. Direct flights to the city's Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport operate from Quito, Panama City, Curacao and Miami and there are domestic direct flights from Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Bucaramanga, Cucuta, Monteria, San Andres, Valledupar and Uribia, as well as buses from many cities.

Ready to join in the fun at one of the world's greatest carnivals? Live this experience in Colombia. If you liked this article please feel free to share it on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or any of your social networks.

You may also enjoy:
https://www.colombia.co/en/culture/story-valledupar-home-vallenato.html https://www.colombia.co/en/culture/sound-music-traditional-colombian-instruments.html https://www.colombia.co/en/culture/five-places-visit-want-learn-colombias-indigenous-culture.html

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Your Guide to the Barranquilla Carnival | Colombia Country Brand

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Barranquilla's world famous carnival is a joyous celebration of everything it means to be Colombian, with dancing, music and parades [...] Barranquilla's world famous carnival is a joyous celebration of everything it means to be Colombian, with dancing, music and parades that turn its streets into a rainbow.

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Ceiba Carnival is the most important in Honduras and itspopularity has crossed national borders and makes it one of the largest and most representative cultural events in thecity of La Ceiba and Honduras in general.

The Great Carnival of La Ceiba or International Carnival of Friendshipas it is also known, is held on the last Saturday of the month of May, as the closing of the Isidra Fair that is held in the city of La Ceiba in honor of its Patron Saint Isidro Labrador.

It is known as the best party in Honduras, attended by several people from all over Central America.

During that week, the festive atmosphere and the hospitality of population of La Ceiba are overflowing, with the celebration of parties in each

one of the most important neighborhoods in the city. The celebration culminates in a big parade.

La Ceiba Carnival or International Friendship Carnival which puts an end to the commemorative celebrations of the Isidra Fair tours the main avenues of the city, known as "Ceibita the

beautiful" and is entertained by performances of about twenty

musical groups, between nationals and foreigners.

These celebrations are preceded by a traditional parade of floats and

ethnic groups, such as the Garifuna or Black Honduran Caribbean, which put an end to two weeks of fair in honor of Saint Isidro Labrador, patron saint of La Ceiba.

The Great International Friendship Carnival is an annual celebration

which takes place in La Ceiba, Honduras, and it is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. The event is in honor of Saint Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of

the city.

The Ceiba Carnival, known as the biggest carnival in Central America, occurs every year at the end of May and receives thousands of tourists for their impressive parades and unparalleled parties.

It is compared to the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, because La Ceiba and

New Orleans are sister cities that shared an important maritime route between the cities.

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Ceiba Carnival is the most important in Honduras and itspopularity has crossed national borders and makes it one of the largest and most representative cultural events in thecity of La Ceiba and Honduras in general.

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Have you ever heard about the traditional festival of Farolitos (lanterns) in El Salvador? If you still don’t know him, in this article I will tell you a little. Farolitos Day (lanterns) is a traditional Catholic holiday that takes place every September 7. It has more than 150 years of existence a…

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Discover Paraguay Holidays, Festivals and Traditions

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Festival - A Series of Religious and Traditional Events

A Festival is an organized series of events celebrated by a community. The world is surrounded by diverse religions, ethnicity, culture, traditions, norms, and values followed by a segment of society, each distinctive from others.

A Festival is a celebration marked by gathering people, feasting, ceremonies, music concerts, dancing, poetry, and photography. A large number of festivals are observed by different communities all over the globe.

Peru is a nation with wealthy and special cultural events. Inti Raymi is one of Cusco's most fascinating, worthy, traditional, and religious festivals.

What is Inti Raymi Festival?

Inti Raymi - Festival of the Sun is a religious ceremony held in honor of the God Sun. It is considered the most significant ceremony amongst the four ceremonies of Cusco.

According to Inca tradition, the Inti Raymi was created by the Inca Pachacútec in 1430 AC to celebrate the first day of the New Year in the particular Inca calendar. It is a religious celebration of the Incan Sun King (the most revered god in the Inca religion), Inti, and Pachamama, Mother Earth.

June 24th - the shortest day of the year, celebrates the Inca Festival of the sun during the winter solstice of the southern hemisphere. On this day sun is farthest away from Earth, and people start celebrating this to keep the memory alive.

Approximately 25,000 people, including actors, dancers, and musicians - typically dressed well, perform different activities outside the Coricancha complex, Sacsayhuaman, and in the Plaza of Arms of the Cusco.

Many speeches were delivered during the festival in Quechua, an ancient Incan language. Quechua is a unifying and widely spoken language in Peru. It is one of three official languages in Peru.

During Inca Times:

During Inca times, thousands of people and empires gathered at Haukaypata or Main Plaza in Cusco at night before the night of celebration, waiting for the appearance of God Inti in a very respectful way. When the god ascended between the mountains, the settlers thanked him for the prosperous New Year harvest. The Sapa Inca, nobles, and priests would gather to witness a parade in Haukaypata. Ancestral mummies wrapped in cloths were brought from temples and shrines. About 200 llamas would be sacrificed, and Haukaypata ran with sacred blood and plentiful chichi. The festival took place from dawn to dusk.

In 1572, the Inti Raymi came under gross criticism. The public, especially the society's older segment, was split about the festival for being too staged. It was prohibited and banned by the Spanish viceroy Francisco de Toledo because it was considered a pagan ceremony and contrary to the Catholic faith. But in 1944, Faustino Espinoza Navarro recovered this traditional event and carried out a historical reconstruction. Since that date, the festivity has become public again and attracts thousands of tourists yearly.

Inti Raymi Today:

Inti Raymi is still celebrated with all of its majestic glory without the procession of mummies, and only one animal is sacrificed during the day of celebration.
Every year on June 24th, the festival of the Inti Raymi takes place in the city of Cusco. The celebration of the festivals begins in the morning on the large open field at the front of the Inca Temple of sun. As the representatives arrive from Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu (the four suyos of the Inca Empire), the Sapa Inca open the festivities and praise the god. The attendees then continue a short distance to the Plaza de Armas to witness the contribution of Inti Raymi.

The Inti Raymi ceremony is a 9-day celebration that revolves around the sun's worship. The nine days long religious festival took place in the main plaza in Cusco, known then as the Haukaypata.

On the main day, June 24th, the Sapa Inca would step on a stage in front of the pilgrims and drink chicha de Jora, a maize-based drink, in honor of Inti. A priest then stepped into the temple and light up a flame. All these rituals were accompanied and graced by dances, sounds of shells, and musical instruments. Men and women painted their faces. It is said that Betanzo's children under ten years old were brought from the four Suyus and were sacrificed. Black llamas were cut open with a ceremonial knife known as Tumi, their organs observed to predict the future and then incinerated.

Subsequently, everyone in Santo Domingo Church at Qurikancha begins the nine-day-long ceremony. Actors used to play the roles of the Sun King and his wife, Mama Ocllo, most importantly. The final part of the re-enactment is played in Sacsayhuaman - the ancient archeological site. The Sun King delivers a speech praising the sun before being carried by pallbearers with woven masks in a golden chariot to the ruinous temple of Sacsayhuaman.

Sapa Inca addresses the pallbearers with different attires, one dressed as a snake to represent the underworld, one as a Puma to represent earthly life, and another as a condor that represents the heavens. Surrounded by thousands of locals and tourists, the Inca delivers his speech in Quechua before the faux sacrifice of the llama. The faux heart is held up to Pachamama (Motherland) to ensure the next crop harvest.

A typical public follows the chariot, with actors playing the roles of Incan nobles and priests. Local women showered exotic flowers on the festival path and swept the route to free it of evil spirits. There were special dances, and coca leaves were read and burnt in abundance. The festival ends when the air fills with the sound of horns, drums, and other instrumental sounds. The sunset, a bonfire is lit, and the ceremony concludes with the procession returning to Cuzco with the Sun King and his wife carried back upon their chariot.

Inti Raymi - A Cultural Heritage

The Incas are successful in their expression and exposure to modern and ancient art. Despite the creeping in of globalization, the Incas have successfully preserved and developed their proud culture.

On March 2nd, 2001, the joyful religious Inti Raymi festival was declared as the cultural heritage of Peru. The festival is an extensive and diverse combination of traditional indigenous styles. Currently, it is managed and organized by the Provincial Municipality of Cusco.

Why should you visit the Festival of the Sun?

Celebrated in the city of PERU - Cusco is a star of attraction for history buffs for its culture, museums, archeological sites, natural diversity, and extremely polite people.

On June 24th, thousands of national and international tourists walk through Cusco's fascinating and historic streets to witness the worth of Inti Raymi. It is a religious festival, not only observed by the people of Cusco but followed by the Andes population and thousands of tourists worldwide.

You will be happy to hear that no more sacrifices are made at this festival. It is an important time to celebrate Peruvian music and perform authentic folk dances wearing colorful outfits with bright embroidered skirts, jewelry, and weavings to metal and stone carvings. Some locals wear beautiful animal costumes, including snakes. Tourists attend it with great zeal and fervor.

The festival draws thousands of local and international visitors to Cusco to celebrate the most important festival on the calendar.

How Can I Visit?

There are two ways to enjoy the Festival of Sun. You can reserve seats with beautiful views or stand in the crowd. Standing with locals gives you a better understanding of the significance of this event.
Some of the spots to approach the festival are:
* Qorikancha,
* Plaza de Armas
* Sacsayhuaman.

At Qorikancha:

Although there is no official seating here for viewing the festival, there are plenty of standing rooms that you can utilize to observe the festival itself, which takes place in the gardens just outside of the temple with mesmerizing and fascinating views.
You only need to arrive early for the best views and an excellent beginning!

In Plaza de Armas:

Though cordoned off for the festivities, you'll still find space around the colonial arcades to view the enthralling ceremony. Due to the limited space in the plaza, you need to be prepared to stand in crowds.

If you plan to view Inti Raymi, arrive at a pre-booked table at a local cafe or restaurant, balcony, and other best vantage points.
Enjoy the drink, and watch from there!

At Sacsayhuaman:

Locals who cannot afford high pricing choose to watch Inti Raymi from two hills that overlook the festivities. The best and most effective way to watch the ceremony is to book through a local guide and enjoy; grandstand seating, which is sold on a priority basis, or you can join local Peruvians and view the festival from two local parks.

What is an expected itinerary?
9:00 am start of the festivity in the Temple of the Sun Qoricancha
Here the Inca, together with La Qoya and La Realeza, salutes the god Inti, invoking the success of the ceremony. "Oh, sun god, our father! Powerful Sun of eternal happiness, warm source, the principle of life! From this, your sacred mansion in Cusco, where you live with the Moon, Lightning, and Thunder, your children of the Empire of the Four Regions, greet you reverently on your jubilee day".
10:30 a.m. Plaza de Armas Cusco
Once the first part of the Inti Raymi in the Qoricancha is finished, the Inca, his Royal Entourage, and the Imperial Army go in a procession to the Plaza de Armas through old Inca streets such as Calle Loreto, and it arrives right at Aucaypata. There, the Ñustas, Aqllas (chosen), and the entire imperial army are already positioned in the Plaza de Armas to wait for the Inca. Here the Inca as the highest ruler of the empire, performs the Coca ceremony and makes an invocation to the Apus.
1:45 p.m. Chuquipampa or Sacsayhuman Esplanade
After the Coca ceremony in the Plaza del Aucaypata, the cast heads towards the esplanade of the archaeological park of Sacsayhuamán, where around 80,000 people and approximately 3,500 tourists who purchased their seats in the stands installed on the esplanade, awaited the central ceremony.

Be warm and prepared for crowds, and bring everything you need for the day, with plenty of food, water, and sun protection!

First come, first served!

Unmissable Tours in Cusco

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Inti Raymi - The Festival Of The Sun | TreXperience

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A Festival is an organized series of events celebrated by a community. The world is surrounded by diverse religions, ethnicity, culture, traditions, norms, and values followed by a segment of society, each distinctive from others. A Festival is a celebration marked by gathering people, feasting, ceremonies, music concerts, dancing, poetry, and photography.

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Carnival in the Dominican Republic dates back to 1520, during the Spanish colonial times. Some researchers say the first carnival events took place as a celebration of a visit by Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, when inhabitants disguised themselves as Moors and Christians.

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Is there anything better than traveling to a foreign country during the time of a festival or celebration that immerses you completely into the local culture? Well, no not really.

If you happen to be traveling to or in Costa Rica in January, you have the exciting opportunity to take part in the Palmares Fiestas - and it isn't something you want to miss.

When & Where the Palmares Fiesta Happens

As if Christmas and New Year's weren't exciting enough, Costa Ricans aren't quite ready to stop celebrating once the ball drops

The Palmares Fiestas takes place during a period of two weeks in January, in Palmares.

This small town is located in between Alajuela and San Ramon, and has built a reputation on throwing one of the most exciting and anticipated celebrations each year. Attendees will be treated to concerts, stand-up comedy, a carnival, sporting events, fireworks, bullfighting, food and drinks, and the tope (or horse parade).

The History of Palmares Fiestas

You would never know it by its popularity, but the Palmares Fiestas is only a few years old. Even in that short time, this celebration has become one of the biggest in Costa Rica, seeing more than a million people in attendance.

It has been said that Palmares Fiestas is second only to Oktoberfest in the amount of beer that is served; so you can imagine that the festival also has a reputation for being a little rowdy. A couple of drinks, a crowd full of both Ticos and international visitors, and bullfighting - how can you say no to all of that?

The event takes place on festival grounds, with stages, stadiums, and audience stands constructed for all of the scheduled activities.

The event is free to attend - though some activities may require the purchase of tickets - and employs security to keep all the attendees safe.

The festival has a reputation for after-hours parties, held in tents that were constructed just for the event, where happy people spend the night drinking, dancing and having the time of their lives.

Main Events of Palmares Fiestas

To kick the festival off each year, the organizers arrange a soccer game and a lantern parade, which lights the festival grounds. The lantern lighting is known as the parade of lanterns, and the soccer game is a minor league tournament.

The Palmares Fiestas is known for filling the air with the sounds of Costa Rica's most popular musicians. The festival usually books between three and five bands to play outdoor concerts throughout the schedule of events, mostly on the weekends. Sundays are the big ticket days, with a traditional of booking international superstar acts to perform.

Music isn't the only thing that fills the air - there is also a ton of laughter. The festival hires comedians to perform stand-up comedy to entertain the festival-goers. Grab a beer and settle in for some solid entertainment.

One of the biggest highlights of the festival is the bullfighting. This isn't your average bullfighting either - this is a public event. That doesn't just mean that the public can attend, it means that the public can participate. This is Torosa la Tica, and it attracts a large audience that want to try their hand at this local tradition. Yes, that is right, anyone and everyone that is brave enough to try bullfighting can try bullfighting. Some professional bull fighters are brought in, but mostly this event is meant to be a comical, improvised man vs bull standoff.

The crown jewel of the Palmares Fiestas, though, is the tope, or horse parade. This event is part of the opening celebrations, taking place in the first days. During the parade, the locals ride their best and brightest horses. There are literally thousands participants trotting in this parade. Keep a look out for showoffs too, like riders that stand and dance on their horses.

Bring your cowboy hat if you have it; but if not you can still plan to hang out with all the attendees and have some great food and drinks. Once the parade is over, stick around for the impromptu bars...made in the event tents, of course.

What festival would be complete without a carnival, fireworks, and of course plenty of food and drinks? All of these things are part of the Palmares Fiestas schedule of events too!

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Palmares Fiestas is one of the most highly anticipated cultural celebrations in Costa Rica

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People travel from all over the world to check out the Palmares Fiestas during the month of January in Costa Rica.

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Carnival is an event stemming from Christian tradition and celebrated all over the world, including Brazil. But among Brazilian cities honoring the event, it's clear Rio gets the crown. Rio's Carnival is the biggest in the world: The city draws millions to its streets for the pre-Lenten celebration full of parades, colorful costumes, and, of course, samba.

The origins of Rio's Carnival

Like other Carnival-celebrating places around the world (which include Grenada and Italy), much of the festival's influence comes from Christianity. The word Carnival itself is said to come from the phrase " Carnevale ", meaning a farewell to meat-calling out the religion's abstinence from meat during Lent.

When Portuguese colonists came to Brazil in the 1500s, they brought their version of the event-but today's version also has a lot of West African and Bantu influence. The Portuguese brought enslaved people from these African regions, adding elements of song and dance from their home countries, which eventually evolved into samba.

When is Rio's Carnival celebrated?

The annual event happens between the Friday and the Tuesday leading up to Ash Wednesday, packing in five days of festivities before Lent begins. In 2023, Carnival in Rio lasts from Friday, February 17, to Tuesday, February 21-although a final parade celebrating the champions of the Sambadrome's annual parade competition (called the Winners' Parade) occurs on the Saturday after the carnival ends. This year, the Winners' parade takes place on February 25.

What happens during Carnival in Rio?

Carnival kicks off on the first Friday with the crowning of King Momo, a symbolic character who is meant to be the king of Carnival. Once the mayor hands the symbolic figure keys to the city, confetti and cheers signify a formal beginning to the nearly weeklong celebration. Street bands, known as blocos, perform in the avenues. While hundreds exist, some of the biggest bands include Cordão da Bola Preta, Banda de Ipanema, and Monobloco. Carnival puts the spotlight on these groups, but many of them have been celebrating since January. Each draws a unique crowd, so join in with Rio's residents (known as carioca s) and tour through the different neighborhoods looking for the sound that fits your vibe.

Seeing the spectacle in the Sambadrome

The main venue for Rio's showstopping events happens in the Sambadrome, located in Rio's downtown. The venue, built specifically for Carnival, features a 700-meter-long stadium with bleachers on both sides that can accommodate more than 70,000 spectators. Each night of Carnival, samba schools present in a parade; they're judged on elements such as costumes, dances, and creativity.

The Sambadrome action starts on Friday and Saturday. During these first two days of Carnival, the samba schools forming the Access Group perform. While these productions are on the lower-budget side, they are still a great way to kick off Carnival weekend. The showstopper schools-known as the Special Group-come on Sunday and Monday. Don't expect these teams to hold back in any way: They send thousands of participants as dancers, flag bearers, drummers, and more to create their spectacle. They also usually employ the help of several towering floats to help tell the story of their school's theme.

How to watch Carnival in the Sambadrome

The parades are all-night-long events, starting around 9 p.m. and not ending until at least 4 a.m. You can buy tickets from chief Carnival organizing group LIESA, though release dates can be unclear. As an alternative, travel agencies often sell Sambadrome tickets as a part of their travel packages.

Where to stay in Rio for Carnival

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Book now: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema is a nonstop party during Carnival, thanks to blocos like Banda de Ipanema drawing thousands-especially in the LGBTQ community-to the neighborhood. While you won't be able to stop the festivities on the streets, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro offers a quiet reprieve from the craziness. An emphasis on geometric design elements through ear-shaped mirrors, rectangular lamps, and other midcentury-modern furniture recall the 1950s and '60s, when bossa nova was at its height. Laze by the property's rooftop infinity pool and bar (only for hotel guests) during the day before descending once again upon the chaos at night.

Belmond Copacabana Palace

Book now: Belmond Copacabana Palace

If you're looking to stay away from the bustle of Ipanema and downtown, the art deco Belmond Copacabana Palace whisks you away to the grandeur of a Carnival reminiscent of Venice. On Carnival Saturday, the hotel becomes the venue of the Magic Ball. Throughout the event, guests dress to the nines and walk through completely decked-out halls according to the ball's year-specific theme. The 2023 theme? "Journey through the time tunnel," in honor of the Copacabana Palace's 100th anniversary.

Carnival's glitziest event is perfectly suited for the hotel, which has hosted celebrities like Marilyn Monroe throughout its history. It's hard not to find luxury in the Copa's Michelin-star restaurant, half-Olympic-size pool, and hotel spa that uses Amazonian ingredients in its treatments.

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Everything You Need to Know About Carnival in Rio

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Carnival is an event stemming from Christian tradition and celebrated all over the world, including Brazil. But among Brazilian cities honoring the event, it's clear Rio gets the crown. Rio's Carnival is the biggest in the world: The city draws millions to its streets for the pre-Lenten celebration full of parades, colorful costumes, and, of course, samba.

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A Gaucho Gathering in Uruguay - In The Americas with David Yetman

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Each year several thousand gauchos--Uruguayan cowboys--gather in the interior town of Tacuarembó for a festival and parade. We travel to a ranch deep in ...

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The city of Masaya is located only 27 kilometers south of Managua, in the department bearing the same name. Masaya is the smallest and most densely populated department in the country.

The city of Masaya, known as " City of the Flowers" and " Cradle of National Folklore", was declared in 1989 as Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Masaya is an important cultural destination due to the variety of folkloric expressions that originate and manifest there, such as traditional dances, marimba music, street theater, and colorful processions.

Among the folkloric events native to Masaya are the Baile de Negras, a peculiar dance where the couples are made up of men, expert dancers, who dance to the sound of the marimba, and are received in houses where they dance for the hosts' pleasure, and are offered drinks, and dishes from the traditional gastronomy; the Torovenado, a carnival that was born as a result of the union of ancestral indigenous and Christian customs; and, the Fiesta de los Aguizotes, a nocturnal carnival where participants dress up in costumes and masks representing Nicaraguan myths and legends. All these traditions are celebrated during the patron saint festivities in honor to San Jerónimo.

In addition to its beautiful center, Masaya offers a variety of attractions such as an old fortress; a boardwalk with a spectacular view of a lagoon and an active volcano; and, a great offer of restaurants, hotels, bars and craft shops.

The craft market o " Mercado de las Artesanías" is an interesting place to purchase Nicaraguan handmade souvenirs, and enjoy folkloric shows. In the market, you can find handicrafts from the Masaya area, but also from different parts of the country. Decorative objects made of clay, wood, marble or different fabrics; toys and accessories, as well as hammocks ,and blanket and cotton clothes are available every day.

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The city of Masaya, folklore, color and colonial architecture

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The city of Masaya is located only 27 kilometers south of Managua, in the department bearing the same name. Masaya is the smallest and most densely populated department in the country. The city of Masaya, known as " City of the Flowers" and " Cradle of National Folklore", was declared in 1989 as Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

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Diablos Danzantes de Corpus Christi / Dancing Devils of Corpus Christi

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The small communities along the central coastal region of Venezuela have a special way to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, an annual Roman Catholic holiday commemorating the presence of Christ in the Sacrament. Groups of adults, young men and children disguised as masked devils dance backwards in penitence as an official of the Catholic Church carries forth the Blessed Sacrament. String and percussion instruments provide musical accompaniment and worshippers carry maracas to ward off evil spirits. At the climax of the celebration the devils surrender to the Sacrament, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The dancers or promeseros (promise-keepers) are lifelong members of a confraternity that transmit the historical memory and ancestral traditions. Each confraternity crafts its own devil masks, which are worn with crosses, scapulars and blessed palm leaves. Dancers also use bells, handkerchiefs and strips of ribbon as protection from evil spirits.

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It is carnival ("carnavales") time in Panama.

Carnival is celebrated the 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday.

For most of Panama it is a family holiday.

However, for about 12 towns in Panama, Carnival is a full-throttle celebration with parades, floats, queens, music, dancing, and costumes.

I mention which towns embrace Carnival later in this post.

Carnival festivities include both traditional Spanish & Panamanian features.

La Mojadera - Water Hose

The Carnival festivities start in the morning hours in the central plaza or other open area. A popular feature are cistern trucks (culecos) that water-hose (mojadera) people for a few hours, along with loud music, entertainment, and lots of beer and seca.

La mojadera is a popular, fun, and wet Carnaval tradition in Panama. La mojadera is a spray of water meant to soak you. Its creation was obviously inspired by the hot tropical weather. We enjoyed being hosed down from a culecos in Chitre when we were there for Carnival years ago.

February and March, when Carnival happens, are the hottest months of the year in Panama. Typically, the cooler highlands of Panama don't celebrate Carnival as much and when they do, la mojaderas are not part of the celebrations.

You will find these culecos cruising the parade route, or you may get sprayed by an enthusiastic Carnival-goer wielding a water balloon, water gun, or a bucket.

Obviously, you should be prepared to get wet - both mentally and your choice of clothing. However, you can usually avoid a spray from a culecos if you pay attention. Of course, you most likely will welcome a good dousing.

There is a lot of dancing, jumping, popular music, people in bathing suits, contests, and more. This goes on until the early hours of the afternoon.

Rest Time

Then everyone goes home to rest and prepare for the parade and the real partying. Panamanians typically start partying late and go til the wee hours.

Parades & Queens

In the evening, the parade starts. The parades typically feature floats ("topones"), bands of mostly trumpets and drums ("tunas") and, of course, the Carnival Queen and her court in elaborate costumes.

The parades have a different theme each night.

You will find plenty of food to buy at street stands, and of course beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Burial of the Sardine

Just before sunrise on Ash Wednesday, the Carnival queen leads the last parade, a funeral procession. It is known as the Burial of the Sardine ("Entierro de la Sardina")

A symbolic sardine is carried in a tiny coffin by costumed mourners to its burial spot. This burial tradition is an import from Spain.

The act signifies the end of the partying and the beginning of the 40 days of Lent.
The majority of Panamanians are Catholics. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. In Catholicism, Lent represents the 40 days that Jesus prayed and fasted in the desert before he returned to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday). 5 days later he was crucified (Good Friday). Then 3 days after that, he rose from dead (Easter).
El Entierro de la Sardina attracts large crowds that stay up all night to see Carnival to its customary close, which typically involves alot of fireworks.

Where To Go

Carnavales is mostly celebrated in

I have some information about the celebrations in both Las Tables and Panama City below. But first a word about Carnival in my province of Chiriqui.

In Chiriqui

I only know of 3 carnival celebrations in Chiriqui: Dolega, David, and Las Lajas.

Until last year, David hadn't celebrated Carnival for 16 years. Supposedly it was for unspecified security reasons. Now they do celebrate Carnival, but not after dark. The festivities are scheduled to end at 7pm, every night but Friday. Friday night will feature a big parade highlighting the Carnival queen.

From what I hear, even though it is late to the game, David's Carnival is by far the best of the 3.

Here in Puerto Armuelles, people typically head out to the beach on Punta Burica or have a BBQ at home. There may be a bull-fight ("barrera").
Note: Panama bull-fights aren't anything like a bull-fight in Spain or Mexico. The only good thing you can say about them is that no bull or cow is killed. The increasingly drunk "fighters" are more likely to get hurt than the reluctant-to-participate cows or bulls.
And of course, the bars will be open for business. The bigger bars like TisaMar will have music and charge admission. But generally it is a family holiday.

Panama City

Most people leave Panama City for Carnival.

This is true for almost every holiday in Panama. People leave in order to back home to celebrate with their families back "home".

To give you an idea of the magnitude of the exit, a special carnival task force converted the Bridge of the Americas into a one way road out of Panama City starting at 4pm on Friday until at least 7 pm, with the potential to extend it til later. (see photo).

The plan also calls for an extra lane to be established into the interior.

In recent years, there has been a big increase in Carnival celebrations in Panama City. The government has put millions into this effort.

The parade route starts on Via Espana and then goes along the Bay of Panama known as Cinta Costera.

You will enjoy parades with the Carnival Queen and her court, floats, huge crowds and lively bands playing Panamanian folk music, salsa, merengue, reggae, and Caribbean-influenced, exuberant dance music. On Sunday afternoon there is the "pollera" parade, which features women and young girls dressed in the distinctive Panamanian national costume.

For the first few nights, evening partying takes place in clubs, bars and hotels. On Tuesday in particular, there is an extravagant parade with with ornate floats and partying that continues until nearly dawn. (see map image for events)

Las Tablas - Biggest Celebration

The small town of Las Tablas on the Azureo Pennisula is the is famed for its Carnival. If you want the most extreme carnival experience in Panama, you must go to Las Tablas.

Plan Ahead
You need to reserve your hotel a year ahead of time. Otherwise, you can do it as day trip from Santiago or Panama City. You can also catch a flight from Panama City to either Chitre or Pedasi and then catch a bus or taxi to the festivities. Las Tablas is about 4 hours from Panama City.

The Feud
Las Tablas carival features an ancient "feud" between Calle Arriba ("Upper Street"), the La Placita neighborhood, and Calle Abajo ("Lower Street"), the Punta Fogón area of town. Each group of residents competes to produce the most beautiful Carnival queen and the most elaborate and awe-inspiring floats. The competition is taken very seriously.

The Video
To better understand the Carnival in Las Tablas, including the feud and the intense year-long preparations, watch the video below. It is an excellent video done by Don Usher.

Conclusion

We are not much for Carnival ourselves. I do like the la mojadera and I enjoy seeing the more elaborate floats. However, I am happier missing the whole thing.

But if you want to immerse yourself in the celebrations, get ready for a 4 day ride.

Lent starts on Friday with the coronation of the Carnival Queen and her attendants by last year's Queen. Then continues on til the early morning of Wednesday. The biggest celebration is on Tuesday, known as Fat or Shrove Tuesday.

This year, 2017, Carnival starts on Friday, Feb. 24th, and ends in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 1. In 2018, Carnival will start on Friday, Feb. 9th 'til Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Happy Carnival! Please share your carnival experiences in Panama. Comment below.

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Carnival in Panama - The What, Where & Whys

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It is carnival ("carnavales") time in Panama. Carnival is celebrated the 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday. For most of Panama it is a family holiday. However, for about 12 towns in Panama, Carnival is a full-throttle celebration with parades, floats, queens, music, dancing, and costumes.

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Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). Learn how the Day of the Dead started and the traditions that make it unique.