Carnaval, February - March

A non-religious celebration that begins Lent, one of the most important seasons of the Catholic church. The date for Carnaval is moveable, it can occur in the last half of February or in early March. The celebrations surrounding Carnaval in Mexico are similar to those of other countries. They include hilarious and unrestrained merry-making and dancing in the streets. In the more remote areas of the Huasteca, traditional body painting is practiced, using naturally occurring pigments found in the bark of the colorin or coral tree. Also, in many of these communities, Carnaval involves specific rituals, such as painting, bathing, stick dances, and the wearing of masks. These slides document musicians, dances, body painting, elaborate costumes, masks, processions, drinking, merry-making, and other traditions associated with this festival as celebrated in these various villages and towns.

These slides are housed in LSF Container C, Container D, Container E, and Container F.

A descriptive narrative of these slides is found on audiocassettes #2 side B, #3 side A, and #3 side B, which is housed in LSF Container RR.