February and March is Carnival Season!

The very word "Carnival" evokes a feeling of celebration and images of merry making. The two carnival cities we immediately think of are New Orleans and Rio, but there are many other cities that have carnival too. Cities in the Mexican Riviera, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic have their own versions of carnival that have been known to rival those better known cities!  Here are a few for you to try:

Aruba – January 4 - February 16

When talking about carnivals, Aruba must be on top of the list. The biggest party of the “happy islands” features street parties and spectacular parades. Aruba’s carnivals are remembered for the lively music, the colorful customs and the impressive floats.

The largest carnival parade is the Grand Parade through Oranjestad. filled with music and luxurious floats and costumes in various designs and decorated with a wide variety of colorful stones and feathers, creating a unique display.

Don’t miss the Grand Pared on February 10th… party starts at noon!

Cozumel, Mexico- Feb 6-13

The Cozumel Carnival always takes place before the Christian Lent. The word Carnival actually means "farewell to meat."  Historical records indicate that long ago Christians, having no refrigeration, had to eat all the meat and other perishable foods before the Lenten fast. On the Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday, they would hold "festivals" to consume all the food. Thus, the "Carnival" began. 

You can eat all you want during the Cozumel Carnival too, and eat very well with the vast selection of regional treats. There's also music, dancing, elaborate costumed entertainers, whimsical floats, and the traditional coronation of the carnival king and queen.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - March 9

Punta Cana's Carnival action starts with a lively parade showcasing the folklore and cultural traditions of the many diverse regions of the Dominican Republic.

The parade is popular for featuring the country's top twenty Carnival Troupes. These troupes, adorned in vivid, colored costumes and masks, perform dances and play music representative of their region of the country.

On the night before the carnival begins the "Grand Gala" is held in Punta Canta Village.  Wear your costume and get into the action by mingling with the performers who will participate in the parade the following day!

Contact the concierge at Occidental Vacation Club Resorts in these areas for more information on the carnivals!

Puntarenas, Costa Rica - February 10-20

The Puntarenas Carnival is known as the "Queen" of Costa Rican carnivals. This ten-day event is one of the top places to really appreciate the Carnival tradition and experience the local culture at the same time.

What would carnival be without a grand parade or two, and Puntarenas's carnival is no exception to that rule. Many parades liven up the Paseo de Los Turistas in the center of town. Groups of carnival dancers called "comparsas” wildly gyrate to pachanga music played by local bands, as they shimmy their way down the Paseo. Accompanying the camparsas you'll see "mascaradas" (colorful, giant smiling heads), men on stilts, creative floats, and vibrantly costumed performers.

The carnival also features outdoor concerts by the best bands from all over the world. For a change of pace, recreational activities like fishing and volleyball tournaments happen daily.  On the last day, the premier event, the crowning of the carnival queen, culminates with an explosion of spectacular fireworks.