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Culture
Carnaval de Veracruz
El tercer carnaval más grande del mundo — danzón, disfraces y el Golfo
Culture
El tercer carnaval más grande del mundo — danzón, disfraces y el Golfo
History
The Carnival of Veracruz has more than 400 years of history. The first records of carnival celebrations in the port date back to 1599. Veracruz was the most important port of New Spain — through here entered the riches of the world and Mexican silver departed. With the ships came African slaves who brought their rhythms, their dances and their joy. The Afro-Caribbean-Spanish-indigenous fusion created the Veracruz danzón, declared Cultural Heritage in 2017. Today the Carnival of Veracruz is the third largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Venice, with more than 1 million visitors per year and parades that last 9 days.
Cultural significance
Carnival is not just a parade: it is an inversion of social order. The 'Burning of Bad Mood' opens Carnival with the burning of a figure that represents the previous year's evil. The 'Sovereign Decree' announces the start of festivities with an official and pompous decree full of humor. The comparsas (groups of dancers and musicians) compete for the best costume. The danzón, jarana and son jarocho are played on the malecón throughout the year — but during Carnival they become frenzied.
Where to experience it
Veracruz puerto
The Malecón and the Zócalo are the epicenter. The final parade on Carnival Tuesday along the boulevard is the climactic moment.
Boca del Río
The adjoining municipality has its own parades and an incredible seafood scene during Carnival.
Tlacotalpan
The UNESCO town 2 hours from Veracruz has its own more intimate and authentic carnival, with danzón in the central plaza.
Papantla
The municipality of the Papantla voladores celebrates carnival with its unique Totonac rituals.
Villahermosa
The Tabasco carnival, influenced by the Veracruz one, has its own Caribbean flavor in the southeast.
Best dates to experience
Carnival is always in February or March, depending on the Lent calendar (9 days before Ash Wednesday). The exact date varies each year. Book a hotel in Veracruz 6 months in advance — they sell out completely. Carnival Tuesday (last day) has the largest parade.
Mexican Culture
The world's third largest carnival. Danzón, costumes and the Gulf malecón.