Carnaval SF 2011 Monarchs King Jason Ogao, Queen Eyla Moor: (PHOTO COURTESY BY MAX KOO AND DAVE GOLDEN)
2011 Grand Parade features Grand Marshals Danny Glover and Dr. Ana Maria Polo, Giants’ Mascot Lou Seal and the 2010 World Series Championship Trophy
San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT) proudly presents California’s largest annual multi-cultural celebrations, San Francisco Carnaval 2011, taking place Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco. San Francisco Carnaval, themed “Live Your Fantasy,” will be held Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29 in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Acting as this year’s Grand Marshals of the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade is famed actor, film director and political activist Danny Glover and Dr. Ana Maria Polo, author and star of the popular television program, “Caso Cerrado.” The 2011 Grand Parade will feature a very special appearance of the San Francisco Giants’ 2010 World Series trophy accompanied by the Giants’ mascot Lou Seal.
San Francisco Carnaval
Grand Parade is a unique, must see multi-cultural event that celebrates the traditions of many countries and cultures around the world. The floats are spectacular, the music is uplifting and the costumes are lavish. Beautifully designed floats depict rich multi-cultural themes, and feature musicians, dancers and other performers that excite and entertain the crowds.
As one of the Bay Area’s most spectacular traditions, the free, family-friendly San Francisco Carnaval showcases the very best of Latin American, the Caribbean and around the world cultures and traditions with a diverse array of food, music, dance and artistry.
Parade Highlights
Along with Danny Glover, Giants’ mascot Lou Seal and the 2010 World Series trophy, this year’s King and Queen of San Francisco Carnaval 2011 King Jay Paul and Queen Eyla will also be at the helm of the Carnaval Grand Parade. With it’s rich multicultural themes, spectacular costumes, music and dancing, the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade takes place on Sunday, May 29 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets where it will proceed west to Mission Street. From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn east and flow into the festival area. The Best Seats in the House: San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade Grandstand seating is now available for $30, and is the best way to view the parade. Visit SFCarnaval.com to purchase your tickets now.
Festival Highlights
On Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, the San Francisco Carnaval Festival will offer food, music, dance, art, crafts and other fun activities and events on several stages for the entire family to enjoy. Spanning seven blocks, the San Francisco Carnaval Festival will take place on Harrison Street between 16th and 23rd streets (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). This year’s festival highlights include three stages of continuous thrilling live music from around the globe, salsa dance classes and competitions, children’s activities and much more.
At the Havana Village Dance Pavilion festivalgoers may take salsa dance classes, watch salsa demonstrations or even sign up for a sizzling salsa dance competition. The Havana Village will also be a nice place to relax during the Festival with seating, tables with umbrellas and a high-end food court.
Children and their families will have lots to explore at “Niñolandia,” a special area of the festival that offers children’s activities. “Niñolandia” will include fun children’s activities like inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a kid’s music camp and more! Additionally, Xfi nity’s La Academia will feature a funfilled sports center where children and adults can test their skills in soccer, football and even video games. Please check www.sfcarnaval.com for updates on the festival and music line-up.
