Carnival in La Paz

It has been Carnival here in La Pa since last Friday. It was quite an event, and it has lasted five colorful, loud, and exciting days. No one is sure why the carnival here was held so late but that did not impact the attendance. Early last week the Malecón was closed to traffic while booths were constructed, massive performing stages were erected, matching massive speakers hung high, power and water utilities modified, street lighting improved, and portable baños strategically placed. The first few days of the Carnival included live performances, as well as street vendors offering food, drink, jewelry, and carnival apparel. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were the same, but this time there was the addition of a parade each day at 5:30 p.m. The parades included many semi-trucks with flatbeds of performers, bands, dancers, beautiful girls in gorgeous costumes and dresses (and even a few beautiful boys dressed similarly). The parade routes were crowded with spectators waving to get the attention of someone on a float to throw candy, a can of beer, or some other trinket. I waved enough to get a pen! We watched the Sunday parade from the 2nd floor of the Los Arcos Hotel with 20 other cruisers. While the view was good, we did not feel that we had experienced the street-level activity, so we went back on Monday and enjoyed the same parade again. This time, however, it started on the opposite side of town. After the parades, we wandered through the crowds to enjoy great hot dogs, tacos, churros, and, of course, a few cervezas. It was an amazing event, and we enjoyed being part of the excitement!

Unfortunately, the last day of carnival was accompanied by terrible news from the Brazos. A propane leak followed by an explosion at the Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department killed retired Fire Chief Michael Hays. My time with the Fire Department this past summer had been a highlight for me. The news of this event is overwhelming, and I know that Michael’s family, all his friends in the canyon, and the fire department have suffered greatly. Michael had become a good friend, and we will miss him!