14 March 2014

Recap: Carnival and Mazatlan (w/pics and vids!)



We spent 9 days in Mazatlan enjoying the Carnival festivities (3rd largest in the world!) and the beautiful city of Mazatlan. Carnival was not as rowdy as we expected, really more of a family affair with young children, older people, and a huge low-key crowd enjoying the festivities.

Fireworks

 
Who's that Pacifico girl?

Our new friends Eddie and Chris from Four Sisters





The Parade

Finally getting to try the Tostilocos (a bag of Tostitos with ceviche added)


We had a great dinner at a restaurant along the malecon and watched the parade from the patio, much nicer than standing in the crowds on the street




This guy holding up the parade while doing as many push-ups as possible...

Bullfight

The bullfight stadium was packed, and despite being such a gruesome event (to Canadian and American eyes), there were only a handful of Mexican teenage hipsters outside protesting. The bullfight consisted of 3 different events: a matador bullfight, an equestrian bullfight, and a group of young matadors swarming a bull together. All with flair and music! (note: pictures and videos of the bullfight are not for the faint of heart).

Plaza de Toros




Matador vs. bull


Just before the kill...

Just after the kill...

Which of course makes you want some popcorn...

Equestrian vs. bull


Bull charging the line of young matadors


 


Once we had recovered from Carnival, we spent several days in and around Old Mazatlan. We enjoyed a walking tour of Centro Historico with Phil of S/V Barlavento. The architecture is beautiful, and the area is filled with great restaurants, museums, and cultural events. The view of the city from the top of Cerro Creston, where the El Faro lighthouse is located, is worth the hike. After spending some time in the city, we understood why Mazatlan is a cruiser favourite.

Mercado Central

Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion

Ash Wednesday
 

Quaint architecture and the ubiquitous golf-cart-turned-taxi-cab

Teatro Angela Peralta

Machado Museum

Lovely restaurants all around Machado Square

View of the city from the top of the Freeman Hotel

Playa Olas Altas

International guitar festival

The richest gelato you will ever eat!
 
View of Mazatlan from El Faro lighthouse



Solamente hoy. Mañana no hay tacos o cerveza.


We departed Mazatlan on 10 March and had an easy 53 hour run across the Sea of Cortez back to the Baja.

Carnival and Mazatlan Album


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