Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Carnivale. They all mean the same thing – a week-long (or more) party in the streets. In 2020 this occurred not long after the Basha and I arrived.
February 2020 was sunny and mild, but with north winds that could be brutal and cold. For the revelers on the floats for the nightly parades, Carnivale 2020 was challenging – head-dresses, wings, elaborate costumes and floats all buffeted by the Norte winds. Not surprisingly, however, everyone had on smiles and was ready to party!
The parade went along the Malecon every night as the sun went down. After the parade it became a crazy street fair with food vendors, mixed drink stands, “the blanket guy”, and tents selling all the kitchen utensils you could ever want to buy (?). Oh, and the carnival rides and games. It was truly a grand party in the streets. We looked forward to 2021, when we knew what to expect and could plan for the festivities.
In 2021 there is no Carnivale, instead we have COVID and level 5 on the “semaforo”.
It feels like a Charlie Brown moment…
Perhaps 2022?