Carnaval San Francisco Turns Music, Memory and Resistance Into Celebration | KQED

"Personal connections like Ramirez's illustrate why Carnaval embodies the Bay Area. The concept originated in Latin America, but it has taken on distinctly San Franciscan attributes by showcasing local talent and highlighting the many countries of origin that make up the region's Latine community, all while building on a global tradition."

"That ethos is even more relevant this year as the federal government has targeted and terrorized immigrant communities. The festival, now in its 48th year, is a celebration of Latino culture and immigrants who have infused the Bay Area with rich traditions, food and music. It's the third-largest annual festival in San Francisco, following Pride and Lunar New Year."

"This year's headliner is Su Majestad Mi Banda El Mexicano de Casimiro, a group that popularized the "electrobanda" style of music in the 1990s. Jose Carrasco, founder of San Francisco dance and arts organization Loco Bloco, started attending Carnaval as a spectator in the 1980s and organized his first parade performance in 1994."

""My parents would take me and my siblings to the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans," he said. "Those were really astounding, especially as a child, to see these giant floats and the music that was playing and all the beads being thrown and the colors and the costumes. It left a lasting impression.""

Carnaval San Francisco is a long-running festival celebrating Latino culture and immigrants who have shaped the Bay Area through traditions, food, and music. The concept originated in Latin America but has developed distinctly San Franciscan character by featuring local talent and reflecting the many countries of origin within the region’s Latine community. The festival’s 48th year carries added urgency as federal actions have targeted and terrorized immigrant communities. Carnaval is the third-largest annual festival in San Francisco after Pride and Lunar New Year. This year’s headliner is Su Majestad Mi Banda El Mexicano de Casimiro, known for popularizing electrobanda music in the 1990s. Loco Bloco will bring about 150 dancers and performers, including a 12-piece band, 50 drummers, and an elaborate float moving through 20 blocks in the Mission District.

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