As a taco restaurant in Madrid we know how important traditional festivities are in Mexican culture.
Among these celebrations is the famous Mexican carnival, which has clear signs of identity: parades, dances, music and colour.
Many cities and towns in the country celebrate this festival, some in a very particular way. The streets are flooded with people wearing costumes and masks, from common and commercial models to others of a more mystical-religious nature.
The organisation of the carnival usually falls to the figure of the “mayordomo”. The “mayordomo” asks the inhabitants of his or her neighbourhood for support for the celebration. They can contribute costumes, floats, etc.
In general, the carnival starts with the burning of bad humour, represented by a character who is not well liked by the community. The aim is to turn bad moods and worries into ashes.
It is paraded in the streets, with traditional costumes depending on the region of the country and with floats with the queen and king of the carnival.
Origin of Carnival in Mexico
Carnival is a festival that has its roots in pre-Hispanic times in Mexico. The ancient Mexicans celebrated the arrival of spring with a festival dedicated to the god of fertility, known as Xochiquetzal.
After the Spanish conquest, the festival merged with Catholic traditions and became a celebration before the Lenten period.
Carnival became an opportunity for Mexicans to have fun and indulge in worldly pleasures before the penitential period of Lent began.
In Mexico, Carnival is celebrated in different parts of the country, but one of the most famous is the Carnival of Veracruz.
This festival is known for its colourful parades, music and dancing, as well as elaborate costumes and festive masks. It is also celebrated in other parts of the country, such as Mazatlán, Mérida and Mexico City, each with its own traditions and customs.
Mexico’s most famous carnivals
Veracruz
This is the most important carnival in Mexico and one of the most renowned in the world. It has been traditionally celebrated since 1866 in Puerto Jarocho. It is considered the most joyful carnival.
Tlaxcala
The Tlaxcala Carnival is a festivity celebrated in the city of Tlaxcala, in the state of the same name, located in central Mexico. This festivity takes place during the days before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
The Tlaxcala Carnival is known for its impressive parade of floats and troupes, in which thousands of people participate dressed in colourful and eye-catching costumes and masks.
The floats represent different themes, from mythology and history to the culture and traditions of the region.
Here we see dances with indigenous roots from the Toltec and Mexica cultures with representation of pre-Hispanic religious elements in the huehues, catrines and other characters, some of which decorate the walls of our taqueria in Madrid at this time of year.
Campeche
The Campeche Carnival is one of the most important festivities in the city of Campeche, located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in the southeast of Mexico.
This celebration takes place every year during the days before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
The Campeche Carnival is known for its parades of floats and comparsas, in which groups of dancing people, musicians and dancers participate, all dressed in colourful and eye-catching costumes.
In addition, during Carnival there are cultural events, costume contests and popular dances in public squares.
Mazatlan
The Mazatlán Carnival is one of the most important festivities in the city of Mazatlán, located in the state of Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico.
This celebration takes place during the days before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
The Mazatlán Carnival is known for its impressive parade of floats and comparsas, in which thousands of people participate in colourful and eye-catching costumes and masks.
The floats represent different themes, from mythology and history to the culture and traditions of the region.
Merida
The Carnival of Merida is a festival celebrated in the city of Merida, in the state of Yucatan, in the Yucatan Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico. This festivity takes place during the days before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.
The Merida Carnival is known for its spectacular parade of floats and troupes along the Paseo de Montejo, one of the most important avenues in the city.
The floats represent different themes, and each one is decorated with colourful and eye-catching motifs, while the members of the comparsas wear typical costumes and elaborate masks.
If you don’t have time to cook or want to enjoy a different kind of dinner, remember!
At Taqueria de Birra we are experts in tacos and Mexican food since 1989, so if you want to try some tacos in the purest Mexican style, we invite you to order to take away or come and try them at C/ Don Pedro, 11 or at Plaza de las Comendadoras, 2.
