The month of February is traditionally regarded as the month of carnivals for the people of Cancun. Historically, the carnivals consist of parties of large groups parading through the streets, the election of kings and queens, and the days are packed with music, art, and fun.
Given the circumstances the global pandemic has brought forth, festivities this year will not return as customary. Face-to-face activities will be canceled, however, the carnival will take place virtually.
Speaking on the continuation of the event, Director of the Benito Juárez Institute of Culture, Hugo Álvarez Ruíz stated:
“We will make exhibitions of some troupes, since the kings of past years asked that the carnival not go unnoticed and we decided to do it virtually, we cannot have the troupes as spectacular as in years past because we have to take care of ourselves, so we agree that the maximum there will be a maximum of seven couples, to celebrate two days of carnival.”
The carnival is scheduled to be broadcast live on YouTube channel Somosculturacun on February 15 and 16 from 3 p.m.
The virtual carnival will see eleven groups parade on Monday, February 15th, with a show of between five to ten minutes for each group. Interviews of the elected kings will also be broadcast.
Regarding this, Ruíz stated:
“The troupes will be presented live and we also did some interviews that Valentín Franco did with the kings who were able to attend, where they talk about their reigns, their anecdotes, which will be interspersed between the live broadcasts, which will give us the opportunity to sanitize the space before the next troupe enters.”
As part of the carnival festivities, dance groups will enjoy the new stage at the Teatro 8 de Octubre, which was recently remodeled for this occasion, as well as future workshops.
Ruíz assured strict sanitary protocols and health practices will be followed to ensure a safe event, stating:
“Outside a tent will be set up, one troupe passes by, they dance and leave and the stage is disinfected for the next one to pass. The groups were reduced to a maximum of 14 dancers, there are sanitizing mats, taking a temperature and gel to take care of ourselves and the talent.”
In addition to the carnival, the Institute of Culture and Arts will provide musical nights and an interesting series of conferences which may be accessed through the Somosculturacun channel.
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