Carnival in Huaraz - Mar. 2

Sunday after church we walked down to the main plaza to watch the parade of floats. We were behind several rows of people and across from the judges and announcers.  Most of the photos were taken over the heads of people in front of us. Each suburb or town and some outlying areas entered floats in the parade. Some were pretty creative. Most were pulled by, or were mounted on, 18 wheel trucks. A number of the trucks backed the entire route so that the float on the truck came into view before the cab and driver. 

In general there would be a group of dancers carrying flags, some groups much more organized than others, then a large banner carried by more people and then the float.  Many of the groups had men playing drums and Peruvian flutes.

It was all very noisy and crowded but we felt we got a real taste of Carnival or Mardi Gras as it is called in the U.S, and other places around the world.

The judges stand and a parade entering the area.

 

The empty parade street before the next float arrived. The unfinished cathedral is in the background.

Parade watchers across the street from us. Note the lady in pink with the hat and the girls in the yellow native costumes.

Two ladies in hats in front of us.

This truck is backing down the street with the float on the back. Note the political campaign sign on the cab. Ing. Pozo is running for mayor.

Stilt walkers. They were bouncing around on these.  They were some of the pre-float groups for one of the nicer floats.

Che is apparently popular still with truck drivers.

Many of the traffic police are women. Here are two watching the parade and trying to control the crowd.

The Peruvian flag with the Andes Mountains in the background.

Each float had a queen. This was definitely the youngest.

This float was titled "Mother Earth" and all the materials on it were recycled.

A cute girl on her dad's back watching the parade.

Many floats used egg cartons, painted different colors, in many creative ways.

We stayed in our hotel on Tuesday since it was Fat Tuesday or here they call it War Tuesday because people throw all kinds of things--like buckets of water or paint or dirty oil or talcum powder-- at people on the street or at cars. All the missionaries spent the day at the chapel.  Interesting customs.  I think Lent starts on Wednesday.