Carnaval on Parade

{My mom (who visited from Oregon for Carnaval festivities!) Ryan's mom, Ryan and me}

We watched the first parade of Carnaval from a hotel balcony directly above the action.  The water made a beautiful background for the bright and glittery floats that wrapped their way up and down both sides of Cozumel's busy waterfront main street.
 

 

 

{We feel so lucky to have been a part of such a unique and beautiful cultural event and all that led up to it.  

Who knows, we might have to make it an annual trip!}

Carnaval in Cozumel

Carnaval (Mexico's version of Mardi-gras) began this year on February 8th.  Ryan and I were lucky enough to catch a few of the many pre-Carnaval events (including this one!) that take place each year before the grand finale parade on Fat Tuesday.  Each year large dance groups, fantastic costumes and over the top floats take the stage in order to win votes for the prospective kings and queens of Carnaval.  There are categories for adult, teen and child royalty.  Even young children and babies show off their best costumes for Carnaval.  Group dancers take to the two city squares and the many side streets of Cozumel to celebrate this important event.
Here's a taste of what you might see during the weeks leading up to Carnaval!

 

 

 

 

{Next up: parade photos!}

Las Palmeras!

Ladies Night has been a part of Cozumel's Carnaval for more than twenty five years.  During this pre-Carnaval event women form groups and make (or order) the costumes which are mandatory for the big night.  Some groups spend weeks rehearsing dance routines.  Our group spent weeks making our palm tree costumes by hand.  We shopped for fabric, sequins, decorations, and glitter.  Lots and lots of glitter!

Ryan was given the task of making forms for our hats.  


And the ladies (my mother in law and two of her friends plus me) worked on the rest.  We cut sparkly foam into the shape of palm leaves, put wire through each one...
  
...and  glued colorful tape on each to cover the wire.


Coconuts were cut, fronds were created, and accessories were purchased.

I worked on glittering (if that's a word) the burlap trunks that we'd previously gotten wet, scrunched, sewn and sequined.

On the big night, we got ready as a group.  The event fell on Dana's last night in town, meaning she got to be part of all the fun!

And finally made our debut as palm trees!

 

Then we climbed in the back of a truck, Mexico style and made our way to the show.

 

Once inside, we had a great time checking out the creative costumes and taking in the performances.

 

Two of our girls strutted their stuff to show off our costumes.

We ended up taking third place!

The trophy happened to be an anchor so the Delta Gammas had to show the DG love.

 

 

The night wrapped up with all the ladies on the dance floor, including Raggedy Ann and Medusa.

It was so much fun to take part in such a unique event.

Thanks Sarahmom for including us :)