Tara A. Spears
Who doesn’t love a party? And a party on vacation in a coastal Mexican town, well it doesn’t get any better. This year’s theme, Tropical Charro (Sultry Cowboys,) celebrates the strong ranching presence in Nayarit. Usually Mexican fiestas are child inclusive and there are several amusements for them during the day but carnival after dark is the adult party of the year. This event kicked off on Thursday, February 12, with a parade, appearance of the politicos, and a beauty contest. The weekend has stellar bands performing live in the Penita town square or the bullring. A very popular activity is the stunning Sunday afternoon calvacade of horsemen that ride from Los Ayala, through Guayabitos, and down the avenida to finish at the Penita Bullring where there will be three live bands entertaining.
The carnival concludes on Tuesday, February 17, with a parade and one last band. A new carnival theme related event is being held in Guayabitos on February 24: Mardi Gras on the Beach , 11 am-4pm. Besides the bands, games and entertainment, there is plenty of cold beer and tequila plus lots of food venders. The main avenue of La Peñita de Jaltemba becomes the epicenter of the celebration, welcoming riders and spectators in a vibrant atmosphere. The perfect weather, the caliape of sounds blend with the shared happiness of the crowd dancing in the street makes for a lively evening.
Although the original Mardi Gras carnival started in New Orleans, USA, the idea of getting all of your naughtiness out of your system before the austerity of lent quickly captured world-wide interest. It’s just such a natural thing to want to dance in the street in small town Mexico, carnival is a great idea.
The local food venders offer a wide variety of gastronomy, desserts, sweets, ice creams, popsicles and traditional favorites. There will be stalls selling tamales, atoles, champurrado, corn, esquites, cakes, sandwiches, jellies, flans, pie, cake, tejuino, fresh waters of different fruits and flavors. Another popular booth sells delicious coffee from Compostela, which already has more than 55 brands. Available by the aromatic hot cup or bagged beans to take home.
Typically, there are beautiful handicrafts of Compostela and Nayarit, in wood, leather, beads, fabrics, embroidery, glass and ceramics. The Leather goods for the field, livestock or charrería worker are sold. Not to be missed, of course, is the Carnival Finale, which is a beautiful Parade of Allegorical Floats and a final band.
In case you didn’t know the importance of the dates from a tourist point of view, after carnival prices go up. In 2026, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday), and ends at sundown on Thursday, April 2. Good Friday and Easter are both early this year thanks to an early Mardi Gras. This year, Good Friday will be on April 3, and Easter Sunday will be on April 5. Regardless of your faith, these dates are significant from a monetary point of view. In Mexico, the ENTIRE country has spring break at the same two-week time, which enables millions to visit the coast on vacation. Therefore, airfare and room rentals are at their highest.
Don’t miss out on the unforgettable party atmosphere of La Penita Carnaval, consider it practice for Semanta Santa!
