After the crowning of the new Carnival Queen last weekend, Adriana Peña, the Santa Cruz Carnival opening parade returned to the streets for the first time last night since it was cut short by the calima in 2020, just a couple of weeks before the Covid pandemic started, to launch a week of celebration with the theme of New York, definitely becoming the city that will not sleep!
Fortunately the rain held off so that the parade could take place, as earlier in the day it was under threat of being cancelled due to potential weather warnings, and 9,000 participants delighted the tens of thousands that lined the streets to see them go by.
Pirates, sailors, clowns, tribes, carnival characters, and even soldiers were mixed in a unique parade, which the public received with applause and cheers, honouring the work that carnival groups and designers have prepared. The applause was only overshadowed by the street bands, who were louder than ever to ensure that that this party will be bigger than due to the desire to enjoy normality.
The week long carnival will culminate next weekend with the main events during the week as follows, Tuesday being the big one for families:
Friday, February 17th 2023 – The Opening Parade and Street Carnival.
Sunday, February 19th 2023 – The First Daytime Carnival.
Tuesday, February 21st 2023 – Grand Carnival Parade.
Wednesday, February 22nd 2023 – The Burial of the Sardine Parade.
Friday, February 24th 2023 – Children’s Carnival Parade.
Saturday, February 25th 2023 – The Second Daytime Carnival.
Sunday, February 26th 2023 – Piñata Sunday and Classic Car Parade.
