We went to see the Carnival parade which takes place during the four days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. It starts from opposite end of the Malecon each night and we picked the night that would offer the best opportunity for taking photographs. The vendors set up stalls along both sides of the Malecon and sell everything including food, clothing, religious items, beer, and even kitchen stuff. The event lasts for four nights with fireworks and other festivities occurring each night.
Everyone was in a good mood, the music was loud; the food smells tempting and many of the stalls rich in color texture and products. Families large and small lined the route with vendors working the crowd before the parade arrived. The parade lasted almost an hour and a half and consisted of at least 30 or more floats and dance groups. Everyone young and old participated in the parade and Hawaiian themes were popular. For a small town like La Paz, it was a great display and clearly many of the floats and costumes had taken time and effort to put together. Our own marina, the Costa Baja, had a float and we recognized the ladies who work in the office.
The Brazilian float had the least amount of costume attire, not surprising but fun for what is a fairly conservative town. The weather was clear and the afternoon wind had calmed down with the light holding up well for photography. There was a good police presence lining the route and they were all in good humor and enjoying the event.
Today, being Shrove Tuesday, it will be the last night of the parade and we plan on going into town for the finale but without the cameras so we can enjoy the fun.
On Thursday, we will be driving over to Puerto San Carlos on the Pacific side of the Baja to do some whale watching. It is supposed to be really good and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Whales and their calves. It will give us a nice change and an opportunity to see the interior of the Baja Peninsula.