by the El Reportero staff
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), through its Muni transit system, is preparing for a major role during Carnaval San Francisco 2026 as one of the festival’s primary sponsors and transportation partners.
The annual celebration, scheduled for May 23–24 in the Mission District, is expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors for two days of music, dance, culture and community activities. The Grand Parade, one of the festival’s biggest attractions, will take place Sunday, May 24 along Mission Street.
Because of the large crowds and multiple street closures planned throughout the Mission District, transportation officials are encouraging the public to use Muni to attend the festivities. Several transit lines are expected to be rerouted during the parade, including the 12 Folsom, 27 Bryant, 48 Quintara, 14 Mission and 49 Van Ness lines. Officials say using public transportation will help reduce traffic congestion and improve access to the event for families and visitors traveling from different parts of the Bay Area.
Beatriz Florez Huertas, who works with Muni community outreach efforts, said public transportation remains the best option for attending Carnaval because many streets will be closed throughout the Mission District during the celebration.
“Public transit is the best way to get to Carnaval San Francisco. Several streets in the Mission District will be closed to support the festivities, and Muni routes that normally run along Mission Street will be detoured to nearby streets,” Florez Huertas told El Reportero. “Please plan ahead. If you have time, visit our table on Harrison Street between 20th and 21st so we can help you apply for free or discounted Muni service right on the spot, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.”
As part of its participation in Carnaval, Muni will feature some of San Francisco’s most iconic transit vehicles during the Grand Parade, including a motorized cable car and a specially decorated vintage Muni bus representing the city’s transportation history.
Festival attendees will also be able to visit the SFMTA information booth near 21st and Harrison streets, where staff members will answer questions about accessibility services, reduced-fare programs and transportation initiatives available throughout the city.
“We are proud to celebrate with the community and be a resource for people to learn about the services we provide,” Florez Huertas said. “We’re happy to bring out some of our vintage vehicles to add to the spirit of the parade.”
This year’s Carnaval theme, “La Copa del Pueblo” (“The People’s Cup”), celebrates soccer culture and community spirit ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers say the 48th annual festival will feature more than 60 contingents and over 3,000 performers representing cultures from across Latin America and other parts of the world.
– Readers can find the complete version of this article, including additional information about Carnaval San Francisco 2026 and Muni services during the event, at elreporteroSF.com under the Local Briefs section.
