Carnival, or Carnaval as it is called in Latin America, comes from the Latin meaning "farewell to the flesh". It refers to the 40 days of Lent, when Christians were forbidden to eat meat, had to wear somber clothing, and refrain from merriment.
![[carnaval]](images/carnaval.jpeg)
So the days preceding Lent were the last opportunity to enjoy the
pleasures of the flesh and Carnaval evolved as a period of sanctioned
excess, of carefree abandon and indulgence in which wild behavior was
accepted as a necessary outlet.
The familiar colorful trappings of Carnival, with its wild costumes, masked balls and parades, probably originated in Venice in the 12th Century. But the use of masks and other disguises probably has roots in ancient pagan times when they were used for protection against evil at inauspicious times when malevolent spirits were thought to be about.
The spectacular samba parades and lavish costumes of Rio are the benchmark for Carnaval, but local variations take place throughout Latin America.
In México, the tradition is strongest in Merida, Varacruz and Mazatlan. In Oaxaca, Carnaval traditions remain strong in some of the Mixtec and Afro-Mestizo communities of the Costa Chica region around Pinotepa Nacional. The Badger's Dance, the Jawbone Dance and other masked dances from villages such as San Juan Colorado, Sta. Maria Huazolotitlán and Pinotepa de Don Luis are all performed during the days of Carnaval.
Carnaval will begin on Saturday the 5th with the election of the King of Joy, the Queen of the Carnaval, child King and Queen, and the ceremony to Burn Bad Humor.
On Sunday 6th, the first Grand Carnaval Parade winds its way through the streets of Puerto Escondido, with colorful floats, visiting folkloric groups, bands and dancers and comparsas.
The comparsa is a group of friends, colleagues or students from a particular school who dress up in matching costumes to participate in Carnaval. The comparsas and the floats will be reviewed by a team of judges who will select the best.
On Monday, there will be special programs of entertainment at the Municipal Esplanade. Then on Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, comes the climax of Carnaval. This is the night of the second Grand Parade, followed by the awards ceremony for winners of the contests, fireworks and dancing 'til the wee hours.
The following day is Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins. So have fun, find
a costume and get with the program.