Dazzled by Carnaval
Latin music and sexily dressed dancers at the Carnaval Parade heated up an otherwise chilly day in San Francisco. Brightly colored feathers and sequins dominated the outfits of the dancers. The rhythmic music emanating from each of the floats put us in a mood to dance.
More than 65 parade contingents from all over Latin America delighted the parade attendees with colorful floats, spectacular costumes, and music. Aztec dancers wearing feather headdresses danced barefoot through the streets while Brazilian floats with colorfully adorned dancers sambaed to the music.
Carnaval celebrates the Latino culture in San Francisco with participants of all ages. Hundreds of costumed school children added their exuberance to the parade. Performers competed in the categories of Caribbean, fokloric, Brazilian and fusion dance, with contestants coming from Bolivia, Guatemala, Columbia, Brazil, and Mexico, to name only a few of the countries represented.
This is the 33rd year of the San Francisco’s Carnaval celebration. In addition to the parade, there is a lively street festival, music, food, and entertainment during the two-day event. Carnaval is organized by San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT), who strive to create a truly multicultural community by uniting people in the celebration of cultural arts traditions with music, dance, artistry and food.
About the photos: William Palank is an Environmental Portrait Photographer, Jetset Extra member, and global traveler. View more of his photos on his Google+ page.
Details: The Carnaval Parade is the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, held in San Francisco’s Mission District. The parade starts at 24th Street near Bryant, turning onto Mission Street and ending at 17th Street. A street festival is held on Harrison Street between 17th and 23rd Streets with music, dancing, and food.
