arnaval in Mazatlán has been a big party for over 100 years.

Therefore, most visitors to Mazatlán are familiar with this week-long celebration which occurs every year just before Lent-- a custom among Roman Catholics stemming from pre-Christian festivity rites.

For those who have not yet had the pleasure of enjoying a Mazatlán Carnaval, there are a variety of exciting events scheduled each year. Included in the festivities are three major pageants: the crowning of the Carnaval Queen, the first runner-up and the Child Queen, each with a ceremony featuring star entertainment. In addition, spectators have the opportunity to watch two spectacular two-hour parades; participate in five nights of street partying in Olas Altas-- dancing the night away to the music of live Mexican bands; gorge themselves at two open-air food festivals-- one in Old Mazatlán and one in the Golden Zone; attend a fair, with the usual rides, that runs for about two weeks, and witness a ship-to-shore naval battle fought in fireworks. A lot of fun and a ton of memories, Carnaval Mazatlán is a must-see.

For a little more information, check out the

Official Site of Mazatlan's Carnival