San Francisco Carnaval Parade emphasizes the rich culture of the historical mission district

San Francisco – – It is the Carnaval weekend, and those who celebrate took to the streets on Sunday morning in the historic mission district for the annual San Francisco Carnaval Parade.

Aztek dancers blessed the beginning of the 46th annual Carnaval parade of San Francisco, where the participants had exhibited their cultures, loud and proud.
“Vestimental is from Bolivia. And that celebrates highlight spinners and exciting thread in the Altiplano,” said Carnaval Dancer Holly Flores.

Flores is half Bolivian and says that it is a large part of Carnaval to stay in touch with her community.

“It is very healing, it is something very special, we are a strong community. I have learned that there were 400 Bolivian families in the 50s and 60s who emigrated to North California, and these group are the descendants of these families. We are still connected,” Flores told KTVU.

Carnaval is said to honor the diverse Latin American, Caribbean and African diasporic roots of the mission district.

The Carnaval celebrations in San Francisco started in 1979. Since then, hundreds of thousands of participants have been poured into the streets of the festival at the festival every year. Some people see it as a great opportunity to shine a light on their countries and cultures.

Gaynor Ann Siatchea has been visiting the Carnaval celebrations in San Francisco since it was founded in 1979.

“It is culture and the feeling that this continues to feel us. This belongs to us and we belong. And as a local San Franciscan, it is important,” said Siatchea.

Among the dozens of floats in the parade was a sea of ​​classic lowriders from several auto clubs across California.

“It means a lot because we grew up here in this district,” Francisco Jesus Antolin, President of Justlowriders Bay Area Club, told KTVU.

Antolin grew up in the mission district and says that his lowrider is more than just a truck. It is a connection to its culture and community. It also bears the memory of someone nearby and heart. A portrait of his late mother is painted over the engine of his truck.

“It was five years ago since she was gone …” said Antolin. “I feel grateful … because wherever I go, she is with me.”