Carnaval de Mazatenango 2025 in Guatemala

The largest fiesta in Guatemala, the Carnaval Mazateco, kicks off on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday and continues for more than a week. The celebration reaches its peak on Carnival Tuesday with a lively verbena (street party) held in the Central Plaza of Mazatenango. This grand event includes parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes, attracting locals and visitors alike to join in the festivities.

Cascarones

Guatemala's carnival season is marked by vibrant traditions, with "cascarones" (painted eggshells filled with confetti) playing a central role. These festive eggshells are cracked over people's heads, spreading confetti and laughter. The tradition is especially popular among schoolchildren and teenagers, who often dress in costumes and throw confetti at one another during school festivities.

Events

Carnaval de Mazatenango begins with an inaugural parade and features daily concerts, including performances at 8 pm. The event highlights include the crowning of the Carnival Queen, the traditional Carrera del Conejo race, social dances, and an altar competition. The horse parade and Noche Española are also significant attractions. At the fairgrounds, thousands gather for fun games, delicious local food, and energetic music, enhancing the carnival's festive atmosphere.

The event also includes a National Folk Festival within the inaugural parade, showcasing colorful floats, traditional dancers, and musicians playing a mix of local and European tunes. The grand parade is followed by street parties, where revelers continue the celebration into the night. The crowning of the Ugly Carnival King adds an element of humor and excitement, while the Departmental Queen of Sports is chosen, marking another unique tradition of the festival.

History of Carnaval Mazateco

The Mazatenango Carnival in Guatemala was established in 1885. Initially, it was a celebration of the Virgin of Candelaria that was held in the central square. Today the central park is the main venue for festivities. In Guatemala City, there are smaller parades at Paseo de la Sexta and Paseo Cayalá. The Mazatenango Carnival dates back to the colonial period just like most other carnival celebrations in Latin America. The tradition was brought here by Spanish settlers and then transformed under the influence of local customs. The Carnival was officially recognized by the Government of Guatemala in 1885. It has been held annually ever since with only two exceptions, 1909 and 1976.