Food, fun and festivities kicked off the annual Carnaval celebration on Saturday night. With food stalls serving up tasty treats to cocktail booths and gift items there was something there for everyone. Dance presentations, along with the Miss Carnaval Pageant were part of the evening entertainment along with other performances.

Sunday the traditional painting began along with the comparsa dancing. Stay posted to The San Pedro Sun blog spot for more photos and updates.

how long does this go on?

"Carnival" (in English, Spanish Carnaval) is the short period of feasting that directly precedes "Ash Wednesday" in the western Christian calendar, as celebrated by the Mediterranean catholic nations and their descendants. That is the first day of Lent, which commemorates Jesus' "forty days in the wilderness". Ash Wednesday is exactly 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Day.

So Christians take the last opportunity before Lent to have a big bash and feast. During Lent they're supposed to fast during daylight hours, but this is rarely observed.

Hence, by definition Carnival ends at the end of "Mardi Gras", literally "fat Tuesday", which of course this year is Tuesday 16th March. Interestingly the Spanish refer to it as a day of feasting and virtual debauchery, whereas the English Protestant name of Shrove Tuesday derives from it being a day of prayer and penance in anticipation of penance.

A little Walk on the Wild Side

killer pic!!!!

Carnaval 2010 - Day Two, Street Dancing

The guys and gals that make the San Pedro Carnaval most entertaining hit the streets of down town once again this year to dance and celebrate in the year-old tradition.

Great pictures. One reason I miss living in town - not being on the parade route anymore.

That is soooo cool! It looks like a blast!!!

Carnaval 2010 - Day Two, Steet Painting

Young and old make it out to the streets of San Pedro Town to enjoy the traditional painting; and even some tourists join in on the celebrations. -pictures by Jose Luis Zapata Photography