Carnaval in San Francisco’s Mission District is as uniquely crafted as the Bay Area, bringing thousands together from all backgrounds to celebrate, dance and party. In an incredibly diverse city, Carnaval brought a lively parade and festival to the community on May 23 and 24, offering a meaningful celebration of culture and identity for those far from their ancestral countries. This year’s theme was “La Copa del Pueblo,” or “The People’s Cup,” highlighting the FIFA World Cup set to begin later this month. 

The parade featured performers with highly choreographed dances, lavish costumes, and vibrant music that represented Latin American and Caribbean countries and African Diasporic roots. At the festival a few blocks down, vendors lined the streets to sell everything from food, drinks, trinkets, and clothes. The festival was also paired with a car show, a designated skating area and grand stages with live music and DJ performances almost every hour. Throughout the weekend, Carnaval brought an atmosphere of cultural pride, joy, and unity to the streets of San Francisco.