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One of the most important carnivals in Mexico, the Carnival of Veracruz, is also one of the oldest festivities in the country in which up to 4000 people participate. In this event there are six different parades which are seen by more than one million people.

The Carnival of Veracruz is one of the most important events in Mexico and one of the oldest festivities still existing. It was celebrated already in the colonial era although its current format was not created until in 1925.

The Carnival starts usually on one of Saturdays in the end of February, before the Easter week. It is begun with a symbolical "bad mood burning"; in this ritual a doll, which represents some unpopular character, is burnt. The same day there is the crowing ceremony of the "Child Kings", the "King of Joy", the "Ugly King" and the "Queen of the Carnival" At dawn of the next day people start to get together on the Ávila Camacho Boulevard in the port of Veracruz to witness the six parades that form the principal event and in which 4000 people participate amongst comparsas (traditional village bands) and percussion bands. The main parade covers a route of 3.6km with allegorical vehicles that are covered by all kinds of colors and figures to the amusement of the 1.5 million spectators witnessing the event. Parallelly there are diverse artistic and cultural spectacles which enliven the atmosphere. The Port of Veracruz dresses itself with fiesta during the whole week!