Carnaval San Francisco, the largest multicultural celebration on the West Coast that honors the diverse traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean, celebrated its 48th annual festival last weekend. The two-day event culminated in the Grand Parade on Sunday. It brought culture, music, dance, and a celebration of soccer to the streets of the Mission District.
A member of Aquarela Samba Dancers and Samba School. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
This year’s theme was “La Copa del Pueblo - The People's Cup.” It reflected the joy of soccer, known as “the people’s sport.” And was chosen as the Bay Area prepares to host six FIFA World Cup matches starting in June. Keeping in theme, Brazilian soccer great Romário served as Grand Marshall of Sunday’s parade. Romário was part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup-winning Brazilian team, the last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup.
“Carnaval San Francisco is more than a festival, it’s where our community comes together to celebrate our cultures, our creativity, and our joy,” said Rodrigo Durán, Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco in a statement. “This year’s theme, ‘La Copa del Pueblo’ embodies that same spirit. Like Carnaval, fútbol is for everyone: it connects us, inspires us, and fills our neighborhoods with unstoppable energy.”
Parade participants under a soccer umbrella. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
The two-day street fair included artisan stands, food vendors, and performance stages. It also created a soccer arena at 20th and Harrison Streets. The arena, “La Plaza del Fútbol,” hosted scrimmages, skill workshops, youth clinics, and giveaways. Bay Area professional soccer teams such as the San Jose Earthquakes, the Bay FC, and the Oakland Roots, participated in some of the events and fan experiences.
Over 70 contingents, or comparsas, from throughout the Bay Area, participated in the Grand Parade. Musicians, dancers, clubs, and schools, represented traditions from Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, Peru, and more.
The festival honors cultural heritages, but it also brings an economic boost to the neighborhood as well as the city.
Grupo Samba Rio interacts with attendees. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero
“Carnaval is more than a party,” Durán said in a statement, “it’s a powerful economic engine, drawing thousands of attendees and driving nearly $20 million annually into local businesses, food and arts vendors, while creating opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Susana Rojas, Executive Director of Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, congratulated Carnaval on celebrating its 48th year. “Carnaval is more than a celebration—it is a lasting investment in our community.”
Here are more scenes from Sunday's Grand Parade:
Dancers make their way down Mission Street during the parade.
Part of the Tradición Peruana Cultural Center comparsa.
Lowrider bicycles follow the opening lowrider contingent down Mission Street.
A member of La Cumbiamba Colombiana on Mission Street.
Beautiful Beginnings Art Collective members practice capoeira.
A traditional dress twirls around a dancer.
The Chavalos Danzas de Nicaragua comparsa on Bryant Street.
La Danza de los Rubios as part of the Oaxaca en San Francisco comparsa.
A parade performance by Woven Rhythyms: The Global Fabric of Dance.
A member of The San Francisco Belles & Beauxs waves a fan.
Bolivia Corazon de America Dance Company on Mission Street.
Part of Grupo Samba Rio dance before the parade.
A member of Las Azucenas de Maria poses for a portrait before the parade.
Dancers with the Oaxaca en San Francisco comparsa.
Samba de Terra on Bryant Street Sunday morning.
The Parceros Fusión group makes their way down Mission Street.
A young participant sits in a car of the Train Eclipse.
Attendees decked out in Nicaragua gear watch the parade.
Dancers from Latin Dance Grooves.
A La Cumbiamba Colombiana dancer during the parade.
Dancers on Bryant Street before the parade.
A conch shell is blown by Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca.
Carnaval Putleco makes its way down Mission Street.
