Mardi Gras in Penasco

Tourists are invited to head south to celebrate Mardi Gras this month.
But it's Rocky Point (Mexico's Puerto Peñasco), as well as New Orleans, that's hosting a long weekend of fun.
With a Mexican twist, the celebration will feature less well-known traditions, including the execution of the "Bad Humor" man and the crowning of the Jester King, both traditions from Veracruz, Mexico. But Americans will recognize the crowning of the Mardi Gras Queen, three days of parades, several concerts and a street festival with rides, shows and dances.

Events run from Feb. 11 through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 16, and take place principally at the Peñasco del Sol Hotel esplanade in the heart of Rocky Point.
Thursday and Friday are filled with evening events, cultural events start at 2 p.m. Saturday and sporting events begin at 10 a.m. next Sunday. Mardi Gras wraps up with awards for the best floats and parade participants and a masquerade ball themed on the classic "Scaramouche," by Rafael Sabatini.
A variety of musicians will perform, including La Original Banda el Limon, with snazzy matching outfits and a brassy, big-band sound; norteña star Tigrillo Palma; and cumbia stars Los Diferentes de la Sierra.

I'll be there. I have a schedule of events somewhere. If I find it, I'll post it.

That sounds like sooo much fun. BUT Edna has to work at the flower shop so no go for us.

Jim said:

I'll be there. I have a schedule of events somewhere. If I find it, I'll post it.

Jim, You have any luck finding that schedule of events? We'll be there Wednesday night, but would like to check it out Thursday.

(NOTE: The events take place mostly at the Esplanade at Penasco Del Sol; it's 10 pesos to park your car, though on Thursday it's free. You must enter from the marina off of Balboa St.)

Thursday February 11th

• 7:00 PM Parade of the “Bad Humor” character on the Boulevard ending at the Peñasco del Sol Hotel esplanade.
  
• 8:30 PM Trial and sentencing, reading of the accused last will and burning at the stake of the “Bad Humor” character.
  
• 11:00 PM Crowning ceremony of the Jester King.
  
• 11:00 PM Dance and festivities begin.
  

Friday February 12th

• 8:00 PM Crowning ceremony of the Mardi Gras Queen at the Peñasco del Sol Hotel esplanade.
  
• 9:00 PM Begin dances, shows and rides.
  
• 11:00 PM The Original Banda Limon Band in concert.
  

Saturday February 13th

• 2:00 PM Cultural activities begin.
  
• 4:00 PM First parade of floats and dress costume marching groups.
  
• 7:00 PM Begin dances, shows and rides.
  
• 11:00 PM El Tigrillo Palma in concert.
  

Sunday February 14th

• 10:00 AM Sporting events begin.
  
• 2:00 PM Cultural activities begin.
  
• 4:00 PM Second parade of floats and dress costume marching groups.
  
• 7:00 PM Begin dances, shows and rides.
  
• 11:00 PM Duelo de Reinas in concert.
  

Monday February 15th

• 4:00 PM Cultural activities begin.
  
• 7:00 PM Begin dances, shows and rides.
  
• 11:00 PM Juan Jose Navarro in concert.
  

Fat Tuesday February 16th

• 4:00 PM Last parade of floats and dress costume marching groups.
  
• 5:00 PM Awards ceremony for best floats and marching groups.
  
• 8:00 PM Begin dances, shows and rides.
  
• 9:00 PM Masquerade Ball “Scharamouche” at the Peñasco del Sol Ballroom.
  
• 11:00 PM Los Diferentes de la Sierra and the Pelapapas in concert.
  

FOOD STANDS $30 MX pesos is the cost of daily admission getting you in the Fair and access to the Theater Play.

Note the variety of musicians who will perform during the events, including the ever popular Juan Jose Navarro, La Original Banda el Limon, with a brassy, big-band sound; norteña star Tigrillo Palma; and cumbia stars Los Diferentes de la Sierra.

Visit the Rocky Point Tourism & Visitor Assistance website or Come to Rocky Point! for even more information

The town has been rockin with this ! Y'all missed a great time, but if you hurry and get here by 4 you can see the last parade !!

Was there a good turnout of American tourists, or was it mostly locals?

Some Pics

Some Photos of the parade on Fat Tuesday. A great one !! Loads of fun. Don't miss it next year.

I did not see any tourists, virtually all locals and I think the whole town turned out !