El Carnaval de la Ceiba by ALISON JUDITH NAVARRO ALVERTO

Origin of Carnival

anavarro25h0901 — 2025-07-18 04:52:08 UTC

Much of La Ceiba's fame is due to the celebration of its fair dedicated to its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, in May. Awaited by people of all ages, social classes, and nationalities, the event includes a variety of activities, including carnivals from different neighborhoods, and culminates with the Grand Carnival, or Carnival of Friendship, where the Ceiba women wear luxurious costumes and join in the lively rhythms of local dances.

History

anavarro25h0901 — 2025-07-18 04:55:36 UTC

In 1917, La Ceiba held its first fair known as “Feria la Isidra” in honor of its patron saint. It was during the event that the city picked the “Reina de la Feria” (Queen of the Fair). In 1968, it was decided that there would be a parade in honor of the Queen of the fair. The parade was held on May 25 with only 5 floats which were sponsored by local businesses. By 1972, over 15 floats were in the parade. In 1976, the first “carnavalito” was held in Barrio Mejia, a local neighborhood. Many neighborhoods were offered the chance to have one of these small carnivals and parades, but Barrio Mejia was the only one that accepted. Seeing that this carnavalito was a success, other neighborhoods followed in years later.

The current Carnival

anavarro25h0901 — 2025-07-18 05:00:05 UTC

Currently, the festivities begin with the coronation of the queen, two weeks before the parade. This is followed by a small procession with the participation of several local schools. The official feast day of San Isidro is May 15th, a local holiday.

The neighborhoods and squares that have or continue to participate with their own small carnival are:

anavarro25h0901 — 2025-07-18 05:02:42 UTC

Barrio La Isla
Barrio Ingles
Barrio Mejia
Barrio El Iman
Colonia El Sauce
Barrio Solares Nuevos
Mall Mega Plaza
Plaza Premiere