By Eduardo Morales, Ph.D.–
The origin and history of Carnival are quite mixed. Some say Carnival’s roots are in the celebration of the new year and the rebirth of nature and that it is the oldest recorded party. Others note its origins in Italy with an observance that later spread to the French and Spanish of Europe. Today, Carnival celebrations are common throughout the world and especially in Latin America, including throughout the Caribbean.
Carnival usually occurs before the season of Lent. Mardi Gras is a well-known Carnival celebration in New Orleans and is an extension of the spirit of Carnival. It ends on Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday when the Lent season starts.
What is common about these related observances are fiestas and events that usually include parades. Many countries and cities throughout the world celebrate Carnival before or after Lent for practical reasons. For example, in San Francisco due to our colder weather conditions before Lent, Carnival is usually celebrated in the latter part of May with a parade in the Mission District and festive street fairs over a weekend.
In Brazil, Carnival is celebrated throughout the entire country with its most notable celebrations occurring in the larger cities. Rio de Janeiro is considered to have the largest celebrations in the world with about two million people partying throughout the streets. Rio has a Sambadrome, which is like a stadium, where various schools of samba parade across many nights. Each samba school usually has about 4,000 to 5,000 participants with various huge floats, percussion bands, and costumes that tell a story. All samba schools have their own original song for that year based on the theme generated by the Carnival Committee of Rio. The Sambadrome’s celebration of Carnival in Rio is televised throughout the world.
The Italian tradition of wearing masks dates to the Venice Carnival in the 15th century. In the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, they integrate their own traditions in various ways. Many styles of celebrations have their roots in the indigenous cultures of their respective countries. You can view some of the amazing Carnival celebrations from different countries on YouTube.
Given our current mild winter weather in the Bay Area, this is an opportunity for us to embrace and embellish our COVID masks, to take out our colorful clothes, and have Carnival in San Francisco! I suggest we turn our struggle with the COVID pandemic around and begin a Carnival celebration in February. For example, we can change out our masks in a manner that resembles the Venetian style of celebrating Carnival. Let our daily routines become a part of the spirit of Carnival with stores enhancing our shopping experience with lively music. We can parade throughout the streets wearing our stylish clothing.
Remember the song “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”? Let’s bring this to new life by wearing flowers on our lapels, in our hair, and by sporting floral leis. Think of Celia Cruz, who told us in her song that “La Vida es un Carnaval” (Life is a Carnival). We can follow this sage advice and celebrate Carnival in February in San Francisco. Life is a Cabaret, my friends, so let’s join in a collective festive mood with celebrations throughout this time during February.
If it rains, take out your brightest rain gear and colorful umbrellas and have a Carnival throughout the streets of San Francisco. Like the song “Singin’ in the Rain,” we can be dancing in the streets and celebrating life all in the spirit of Carnival. Make the ordinary extraordinary!
The backdrop is that COVID appears to be here for the long haul. By embracing the spirit of Carnival in February, we can certainly break our current monotony of wearing uniform protective masks and dark clothing. Let’s take advantage of our mild weather now. Celebrate in the manner we know how throughout this year’s Carnival season every day. Who knows? Perhaps we can make this a regular tradition by creating new events, building our spirits, and starting a new history for our region. It’s a new lunar year, so, let’s enjoy this newfound spirit and with a celebration of Carnival in San Francisco.
Eduardo Morales, PhD, is one of the founders of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the current Past President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.
Published on February 10, 2022
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