Xochimilco Carnival returns after the pandemic in Mexico City

Mexico City, 18 Mar The Carnival of Xochimilco, a town south of Mexico City, started this Friday after two years suspended due to the covid-19 pandemic and will celebrate a weekend with varied activities. “Today we are celebrating the carnival after the pandemic, which caused a lot of damage. Today we go out to celebrate life here at the Xochimilco carnival,” he said in an interview with Efe Martín Rosales, from the La Misteriosa comparsa. The Xochimilco Carnival 2022 will take place from 18 to 20 March in the historic center of the mayor's office, and one of its main attractions is the tour of 30 troupes, with more than 2,000 chinelos, dancers wearing a costume representing the ancient Spanish conquistadors. The parade participants were dressed up in long velvet robes, large palm hats, gloves and beard masks that emulate the Spanish rulers during the colony of New Spain, present-day Mexico. These characters dance through the streets of the mayor's office accompanied by music with wind instruments. “This tradition has been going on for some years now, but it was reborn thanks to the organization of all the towns of the mayor's office. It's a very beautiful tradition and I'm proud to be part of it,” he told Efe Rosales. The festival, in which the 16 villages and 18 neighborhoods of Xochimilco participate, was organized every year, until the pandemic hit, and now the inhabitants of Xochimilco themselves, who organize it, took it up again. Carnival is a holiday prior to Holy Week. The troupes started this Friday at 15.00 hours (21.00 GMT) from four different points of the mayor's office: Plaza del Chinelo, Caltongo pier, square in the Asunción neighborhood and square in the Xaltocan neighborhood. In addition, during the three days of the carnival there will be concerts in the evening and there will be a market on the esplanade of the mayor's office where vendors will offer local handicrafts and food. The participants shared their joy, excitement and appreciation for the return of this celebration. “With the pandemic, the tourism sector was affected to a large extent and today with the opening of the carnival we are very happy because we are once again reactivating the economy of all xochimilcas,” said Edgar Galindo, member of ña comparsa Luz de Luna. Mid-week, the organizers said they expect an attendance of about 30,000 people during the three days. Although the carnival is resumed, the organizers pointed out that for this edition there will be Dry Law, that is, the sale of alcohol will not be allowed. According to the Official Gazette of Mexico City, the measure applies to commercial establishments that operate such as wine shops, grocery stores, supermarkets licensed for the sale of wines and spirits, self-service stores and mayor's department stores. CHIEF jmrg-ia/laa (photo) (video)