Carnaval in San Francisco always takes place the fourth Sunday in May on Memorial Day weekend in the Mission District of San Francisco. The Bay Area Carnaval celebration was founded in 1979 by a percussionist, dancer and costume designer and has become one of the largest spring festivals celebrating the rebirth of life on the west coast. The celebration begins with a reception at City Hall and concludes with a festival and Grand Parade. Along with the parade and festival is the crowning of the King and Queen, which is judged by the parade organizers.
The main highlight of the Carnaval festival is the parade which begins at 24th Street and Bryant, travels to the 24th Street BART station, turns onto Mission Street towards 17th Street and turns right on 17th Street ending at Harrison Street. The parade ends at the entrance to the Carnaval festival, which is located on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets. The Caranval parade and celebration is a fundraiser organized by Mission Neighborhood Centers in support of their many youth, family and senior programs. The Carnaval reception begins at 5:00 pm May 14th, the Carnaval festival begins at 10:00 am May 29th and commences May 30th and the Carnaval Parade takes place May 30th beginning at 9:30 am. For more information regarding Carnaval San Francisco please visit sfcarnaval.com.
