Latest news with #CarnavalSanFrancisco
San Francisco Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘This is us': Carnaval San Francisco showcases Latin American heritage and pride
Thousands of people turned out to celebrate the cultural heritage of Latin America and beyond during Carnaval San Francisco's parade Sunday, transforming the streets of the Mission District into a vibrant party. Participants and spectators alike waved flags from Colombia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bolivia and other countries, as salsa, merengue and other types of Latin music blasted in the streets during the four-hour parade, which covered 20 blocks in the historic neighborhood. This year's Carnaval theme, 'AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas,' recognized cultural creativity rooted in the Americas. Bay Area percussionist and producer John Santos and Brazilian dancer and vocalist Dandha Da Hora served as grand marshals of the parade. 'AfroMundo is a celebration of the heartbeat that connects continents,' Rodrigo Durán, executive director of Carnaval San Francisco, said in a statement. 'In John Santos and Dandha Da Hora, we have two artists whose lives and legacies embody this very rhythm — local and global, historic and contemporary, spiritual and joyful.' The parade, which started at 24th and Bryant streets and traveled west to Mission Street, then north to 15th Street, featured more than 3,000 artists in 60 contingents. The parade showcased all sorts of dances, from Mexican folkloric dances and Afro-Brazilian styles, including samba and capoeira. Even nontraditional dancers showed off their skills: A Recology contingent featured workers in yellow vests who danced around with blue recycling bins and green compost bins as props, with 'La vida es un carnaval' by Celia Cruz blasting in the background. Angeles Gabriela Avila Lopez, a member of Communidad Maya Yucateca's folklorico dance group, said the parade was an opportunity to showcase her cultural heritage — and her pride. 'We want everyone to know about our culture and our traditions,' she said, dressed in a traditional garment, with a shawl over her shoulders and flowers and a ribbon in her hair. 'Although we're far from our country, from our state, we carry our country and our state in our hearts.' She and the rest of her group performed the jarana, a typical dance from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Brianna Smith's group, Beautiful Beginnings Art Collective, showcased the multicultural background of the group, including the heritage of Colombia, West Africa and Haiti. 'I feel like it's such a great way to show solidarity and unity in a city that's ever changing,' Smith said of the parade. And, she added, 'to show we're still here.' Her contingent stood out, in part, for its massive prop: the crafted head and upper body of a woman, propped up by three members of the collective. Smith said the woman, named Moura, represented Mother Earth and the Indigenous communities that make up many heritages. Spectators on the sidelines were just as eager to show their pride. 'I like coming here because I get to show who I am. I get to shout out my heritage,' said Jasmine Garcia, 24, of Sacramento, who was decked out in a Puerto Rico baseball jersey, Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente's 21 on the back. She made the trip to San Francisco for the parade with her 18-year-old sister, Angela Garcia, who had a Puerto Rican flag wrapped around her torso. 'It's something I'm very proud of, and I'm glad I'm Puerto Rican,' Angela Garcia said. San Francisco resident Donald Riggan, who was born and raised in Jamaica, said it was fun to see different backgrounds represented in the parade. He attended with his wife and daughters, ages 3 and 9. As the floats electrified the crowd, his oldest daughter shouted in excitement when she spotted a flag she recognized: 'Dad, Jamaica right there!' 'It brings a lot of joy to my heart,' Riggan said in an interview moments later. 'She's getting excited because she's seeing the Jamaican flag and she's represented.' The parade was bittersweet for Amparo Vigil, whose family owns Puerto Alegre. The Mexican restaurant's second location shuttered Friday on 25th Street, just a block away from the start of the parade's route. The rising costs of the business and the death of her parents in recent years led her family to decide to sell the building, Vigil said. Sunday marked the last time Vigil handed out Mexican hot chocolate and pan dulce to participants and spectators outside the restaurant. 'This is our way of connecting and giving back to the community,' Vigil said of the tradition, recalling her late father standing at the restaurant's door in past years as the contingents geared up to participate in the parade. Vigil said she believes events like Carnaval empower the community, especially in the face of racism, classism and 'all of the atrocities' in the U.S. and around the world. 'This is us. This is Latinoamerica. This is in our blood, this is in our culture. This is us getting to show us,' Vigil said. 'We get to be in the streets and get to show us — what we look like, what we talk like, what we feel like, what we dance like. I love it.'
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Colombian immigrant Germán Tike crowned King of Carnaval San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — There's a new king in town, and he's bringing royal rhythm with him. Germán Tike, a Colombian immigrant and the newly crowned King of Carnaval San Francisco, made his vibrant debut at the California Academy of Sciences, proudly representing both his heritage and his new home in the Bay Area. "I studied dancing when I was very young. I'm from Colombia — Neiva, Huila, the capital of Bambuco, America," Tike said. While Carnaval San Francisco marks its 47th year, Tike's participation is just beginning. Having recently immigrated to the United States, he described the journey as challenging but rewarding. "It was difficult to immigrate here. But I'm so grateful," he said. Tike's coronation is more than ceremonial; it's a cultural bridge. As he shares his Colombian roots, he becomes part of a long-standing Bay Area tradition with global reach. Rodrigo Duran, executive director of Carnaval San Francisco, emphasized the wide-ranging impact of the annual event. "Well, to the community, it brings a lot of pride and joy. And it also brings an influx of money," Durán said. "We bring over $20 million to the economy — just on those two days. So, economically speaking, that's how we contribute. But culturally, we push the envelope. And we bring this culture that's always reimagining itself and creating this new identity of what it is to be Latino, American, and a citizen of this world." Tike said he sees his role as king as an opportunity to spread joy and promote cross-cultural understanding. "It's my dream to share my Colombian culture with San Francisco," he said.
San Francisco Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
It's samba time! At Carnaval San Francisco, AfroMundo takes over the Mission
The 47th edition of Carnaval San Francisco is gearing up to hit the streets of the city's Mission District during the weekend of May 24-25. This year's theme, AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas, pays tribute to the global impact of the African diaspora. And 'from samba and tango to jazz, hip-hop, salsa and beyond, it honors this legacy with a lineup of live music, dance and art that connects communities across the Americas,' organizers said. The vibrant, admission-free celebration, with an eye-popping, toe-tapping grand parade as its main event, is expected to draw as many as 500,000 attendees. Cheer and people-watch during Sunday's parade, which is set to include vivacious dancers in flashy Carnaval costumes with live samba, bomba and other marching music, floats and more. And there's good news from the event's parent organization, Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Américas. It has a fresh space — Casa de Carnaval — on Florida Street in San Francisco, which will serve as a cultural hub, offering year-round events, classes and activities. The vibe This high-energy, inclusive event set in the heart of the Mission District offers family-friendly activities, live entertainment, cultural arts, locally made global cuisine, a vending marketplace, and a full lineup of live music and dancing. The festival Saturday and Sunday's open-air celebration will take place along Harrison Street, between 16th and 24th streets, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy performance arts live on multiple stages. The lineup The live entertainment roster includes mariachi groups and multicultural music and dance ensembles. Enjoy headlining performances from the youthful Cuban reparto artist, Wampi and Mexico City-based DJ-producer Camilo Lara's Mexican Institute of Sound on the event's two main stages at 5 p.m. The parade Sunday's Grand Parade — with Bay Area-based, Afro-Latin percussionist John Santos and renowned Brazilian dancer-vocalist Dandha Da Hora set to serve as grand marshals — starts at 9:30 a.m. at Bryant and 24th streets. From there, more than 70 parade contingents will strut their stuff along 20 blocks in San Francisco's historic Latino Cultural District — including the recently crowned king and queen of Carnaval, Germán Tike and Zoel Esperanza, comparsa dance and drum troupes, impressive floats, and thousands of artists representing the cultural heritages of Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Bolivia, Cuba, Peru, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador and more. The parade route heads west to Mission Street and then east on 15th Street before ending at South Van Ness Avenue. How do I get there? With the road closures necessary to host this massive celebration, your best bet is to avoid driving and use public transportation. If you're riding Muni, the following routes will get you to where the action is: 9-San Bruno, 12-Folsom/Pacific, 14-Mission/14R-Mission Rapid, 22-Fillmore, 27-Bryant, 33-Ashbury/18th Street, 48-Quintara/24th Street, 49-Van Ness/Mission, 55-16th Street and 67-Bernal Heights. Be aware that some bus lines will be rerouted on Sunday to accommodate the parade route. If you're riding BART in from around the Bay Area, either the 24th Street or 16th Street stations will place you along the parade route. And for the Saturday-Sunday street festival, each station is just a short walk away from the Harrison Street festivities.
San Francisco Chronicle
20-05-2025
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
Memorial Day 2025: Honor the occasion with observances, salutes, parades and more
Celebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day will see Bay Area organizations marking the occasion with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, cemetery memorial events and local presentations honoring American soldiers. However, it's not all solemn observances. There are plenty of afternoon barbecues and parties scheduled to mark the unofficial start to the summer season. And things are right on schedule, with the long weekend filled with festivals, including Carnaval San Francisco and BottleRock Napa Valley. Services and ceremonies Annual Flag Planting Event at the San Francisco Presidio National Cemetery 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 24. Free, reservations required. Presidio National Cemetery, 1 Lincoln Blvd., S.F. 925-674-6100. Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Day Service Branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion San Francisco Bay Area plans to host a program honoring the holiday with members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Arkansas Division. 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 24. Free. Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1100 El Camino Real, Colma. 203-997-6330. Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery Memorial Day Service Commemorate Memorial Day with a visit to the oldest military cemetery on the West Coast. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Birch Road, Benicia. 707-693-2460. San Rafael Memorial Day Service Marin County United Veterans Council conducts a program featuring patriotic music, speakers, a flag display and wreath-laying ceremony. 9 a.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415-473-7000. Hillsborough Memorial Day The town parade kicks off an afternoon filled with Memorial Day activities, including an observance and memorial ceremony followed by a carnival with live local music and food trucks. Parade at 9:45 a.m.; memorial service at 11:15 a.m.; music fest at 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Town Hall, 1600 Floribunda Ave., Hillsborough. 650-375-7400. USS Hornet Memorial Day Service Observe the occasion onboard the USS Hornet with a wreath-laying ceremony, color guard presentation, guest speakers and a memorial squadron flyover. Be aware that the vessel will also be hosting a three-day cosplay, Furry festival, 'Galactic Camp,' from May 24-26 featuring many events for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Included with museum admission; veterans free. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 510-521-8448. Mountain View Cemetery Memorial Day Commemoration Celebrating its 101st anniversary, the memorial event is set to include a presentation of colors, salute to the fallen, refreshments, walking tours, live music and speakers. 10 a.m.-noon Monday, May 26. Free. 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-658-2588. Mill Valley Salutes Memorial Day Mark the holiday with a small-town parade, preceded by a memorial service at 9:45 a.m. Stake out a spot near downtown's Lytton Square, where some of those marching will pause for brief performances. Be ready for singing, dancing, creative floats and more. A carnival and live music concert continue Monday's festivities at the community center after the parade. 10 a.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Parade route runs from Old Mill Park to Mount Tamalpais High School along Miller Ave., Mill Valley. Following a ceremony and salute at the National Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., Presidio Chapel will host a meditative concert by organist Robert Gurney at 12:15 p.m. Take a self-guided tour of the Presidio's memorials and monuments. Explore a history exhibition at the Officer's Club, enjoy local food trucks on the Main Parade Lawn and more. The Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno will also hold a morning Memorial Day ceremony. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Presidio Main Post, 50 Moraga Ave., S.F. and Presidio Chapel, 130 Fisher Loop, The Presidio, S.F. 415-561-3930. 2025 Seaman's Memorial Cruise Climb aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien for its annual bay cruise in honor of Memorial Day. Includes a wreath-laying ceremony conducted on the ocean near the Golden Gate Bridge, with color guard service. Tickets include refreshments. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 31. $110-$165, reservations required. Pier 35, Fisherman's Wharf, S.F. 415-544-0100. Festivals and Other Events Mill Valley Memorial Day Carnival and Concert on the Green Bring the family for some old-fashioned fun with carnival rides and games, live entertainment and vendors. On Monday, the event will include an outdoor music festival, food and drink vendors and more. 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 23; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25; noon-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free admission; ride tickets and wristbands available; reservations recommended. Friends Field, Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Marin Greek Festival Celebrate the holiday weekend with live music from the Kymata Band, Greek food, wine and sweet treats, speakers, cultural activities and dancing. 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 23; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 24; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, May 25. Free-$5 admission. Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Highland Dr., Novato. Memorial Day Weekend Bay Area Kidfest This long-running annual Bay Area family event is set to feature live entertainment on multiple stages, children's activities, food vendors, carnival rides, arts and crafts exhibitors. A Memorial Day ceremony, scheduled at noon on Monday, is set to feature the award-winning Concord Blue Devils C Drum and Bugle Corps and the Mount Diablo High School Jr. ROTC color guard. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. $9-$40, under 2 and seniors free; reservations recommended. Mount Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. 925-408-4014. Point Reyes Memorial Day Weekend Open Studios Tour artists' studios in the Point Reyes Station, Inverness and Inverness Park area over the holiday weekend. Featuring an assemblage of West Marin sculptors, photographers, potters, painters, glass artists, jewelry makers, fiber artists and woodworkers with studios open to the public. Studio locations map can be found online. 51st Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firemen's Barbecue The popular fundraising event is scheduled to include a barbecue or vegetarian tamale lunch, dessert, plus live music with Lumanation and the Andre Pessis All-Stars. There will be craft beer and wine, children's activities, a raffle and more family-friendly fun. Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, May 25. $10-$30. Santos Meadows, 2704 Muir Woods Road, Muir Beach. 415-381-8793. San Ramon Art and Wind Festival The annual celebration of all things that fly features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, live entertainment on three stages, children's activities, professional kite-flying demonstrations and a kite-making workshop. The city of San Ramon will host a Memorial Day ceremony from 9-10 a.m. at Memorial Park that's set to include live patriotic music performed by Olympia Fields Brass and vocalist Saee Ghate. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Monday, May 25-26. Free. Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. 925-973-2500. Hang out for an afternoon celebration with barbecue lunch and live DJ sets from Jasmine Solano, JCUE, Lady Ryan, Dauche and Knowpa Slaps. 2-8 p.m. Sunday, May 25. SVN West Rooftop, 10 S Van Ness Ave., S.F. Bolinas Memorial Day Food Festival Enjoy Memorial Day afternoon in Bolinas with Thai food, paella, tamales, oysters, live music and drinks. Noon-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free admission. Bolinas Community Center, 14 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 415-868-2128. S— Kickin Memorial Day Bash Spend the afternoon and evening hanging out with a beverage at El Rio S.F.'s back patio stage, and enjoy a food pop-up along with live music from Kevin Carducci and the KC Stars, Proud Mary, Smelley Kelley's Honky-Tonk Nighttime Band, the Ugly and DJ Mexican Spitfire spinning old-timey country hits.
