San Francisco Carnaval 2012

WHAT:
San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT) proudly presents California's largest annual multi-cultural celebrations, San Francisco Carnaval 2012, taking place Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco’s Mission District. San Francisco Carnaval, themed “Spanning Borders; Bridging Cultures,” will be held Saturday May 26 and Sunday May 27.

San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade is an extraordinary, must-see event that is represented by and honors cultures from around the world. Alongside brilliant floats, lavishly dressed performers and musicians will entertain as the parade makes its way through the Mission District. A vast variety of cultures will be represented, featuring old and new traditions by way of music, dance and artistry.

As one of the Bay Area’s most beloved two-day events, the free, family-friendly San Francisco Carnaval Festival showcases a diverse array of food, live music and activities for all. Revelers are invited to lose themselves among a multitude of booths offering everything from handmade jewelry and international bites to colorful face painting. Additionally, beer gardens will be available for those who wish to indulge, as well as an exciting lineup of live entertainment to be presented on three different stages.


PARADE HIGHLIGHTS: 

With its rich multi-cultural themes, spectacular costumes, music, dancing, the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade takes place on Sunday, May 27 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets where it will proceed west to Mission Street. From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn east and flow into the festival area.

The parade will also feature the presentation of the San Francisco Carnaval 2012 King & Queen as well as the Grand Marshal (soon to be named). 65 parade contingents from around the world will be represented by thousands of participants of all ages.


FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: 

On Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, the San Francisco Carnaval Festival will transform Harrison Street into a wonderland of miscellaneous food, music, dance, art, crafts and other fun activities and events on several stages for the entire family to enjoy. Spanning seven blocks, the San Francisco Carnaval Festival will take place on Harrison Street between 16th and 23rd streets (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). This year's festival highlights include three stages of continuous live music from around the globe, salsa dance classes and competitions, children's activities, drumming and much more.

Children and their families will have lots to explore at “Niñolandia,” a special area of the festival that offers children’s activities. “Niñolandia” will include fun children’s activities like inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a kid’s music camp and more!

To request a vendor application or for updates on the festival and music line-up, please check sfcarnaval.org.


WHEN & WHERE: 

San Francisco Carnaval Festival: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 (Memorial Day Weekend), 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Harrison Street between 16th and 23rd Street 



Carnaval Grand Parade: Sunday, May 27, 9:30 a.m. 

Led by this year’s Grand Marshal (soon to be named), along with the San Francisco Carnaval 2012 King and Queen, the Parade begins at Bryant & 24th Streets and proceeds down Mission to 17th Street.

Disabled parking is located at 18th and Treat Streets in PG&E lot.


ADMISSION: 

San Francisco Carnaval Festival and Carnaval Grand Parade are FREE, but contributions made online at sfcarnaval.com and to donation boxes on-site are greatly needed and appreciated.

Grandstand seating is available for $30 or $40 for two and can be purchased online at sfcarnaval.org


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 

Please call the SF Carnaval hotline at 415.642.1748 or visit San Francisco Carnaval’s website at sfcarnaval.org. 
Join the SF Carnaval Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sfcarnaval


ABOUT San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT): 

San Francisco Carnaval was conceived 34 years ago by a group of local musicians, artists and residents eager to bring the spirit of Latin American and Caribbean culture to San Francisco. Throughout the years, San Francisco Carnaval has been produced by several local entities and for the last three years, the event has been produced by SAN FRANCISCO CULTURAL ARTS TRADITIONS (SFCAT). SFCAT is a nonprofit organization with long-term commitment and involvement in Carnaval and San Francisco’s multi-cultural communities. San Francisco Carnaval is supported by the San Francisco Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund and wishes to thank its generous sponsors, including: Comcast Cable, KSTS48 Telemundo, SFMTA, BART, El Mensajero, Budweiser, and Dos Equis.


UPCOMING CARNAVAL EVENTS: 

"Golden Gate Jubilee" - SF Carnaval Celebrates the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary 
April 7, Saturday in the Concourse, Golden Gate Park, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 
Featuring a SF Carnaval Stage Show, kids booth, drum circle, dance lessons, conga line, 
FREE - Family fun festivities!

SF Carnaval - King & Queen Competition, 
Sunday, April 22 at Public Works, 161 Erie between 14th & Mission Streets, SF 
6:00 pm to 11:30 pm 
Tickets are available on SFCarnaval.org for $15 and at the door for $20. 
Age 21+ (contestants & attendees) 
Applications for the King and Queen competition are available at sfcarnaval.org

Mayor Edwin Lee's Reception for 2012 SF Carnaval 
Friday, May 11 at SF City Hall in the Rotunda 
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 
Free to the Public

SF Carnaval Night at the SF Giants in AT&T Park 
Wednesday, May 16 at AT&T Park 
2010 World Series SF Giants vs. 2011 World Series St. Louis Cardinals (7:00 pm) 
Pre-game show for special SF Carnaval ticket holders (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)