Carnaval San Francisco 2009

Turns 31 - Celebrates Change

“Roots of Revival; Seeds of Change”
is the theme for Carnaval San Francisco 2009 scheduled to hit the streets on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23 and Sunday May, 24.  This year’s production is a partnership between Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc., and Rita Barela Productions, Inc. (RBP).  For over 30 years, RBP has been producing events in the Bay Area including the Bay to Breakers and Black and White Ball.

Carnaval San Francisco, the largest multicultural celebration on the West Coast, will again feature a two day festival of vendors, food and live music on Harrison Street from 16^th to 22^nd Street.  The Festival runs from 10 am to 6 pm each day. The Grand Parade on Sunday morning, May 24 kicks off at 24^th & Bryant at 9:30 pm.  Costumed contingents representing Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa will fill the streets with thousands of dancers and musicians. Grandstand tickets are available for $30.   To order tickets go to the Carnaval San Francisco website at www.carnavalsf.com. 

Seeking Contestants for the King & Queen Competition, May 15

Deadline Friday, April 24; $500 Prize for Winners

The annual Carnaval San Francisco King & Queen Competition will take place at Café Cocomo, 650 Indiana, San Francisco on Friday, May 15 at 8:00 pm.  Contestants representing all Carnaval traditions - Brazilian, Caribbean, Traditional and World/Fusion - will vie for the coveted titles.  The winners reign over the Grand Parade and win $500 cash each.     To check out all the rules for competing and to download an entry application, go to the Carnaval San Francisco website at www.carnavalsf.com  or call the Carnaval Office at 415-920-0122.  

Besides the fierce competition, the celebration features:  live entertainment, farewell performance by current King Everett & Queen Kellita, and dance music by popular world beat DJ Vanka.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 cash at the door. Age 21 with ID. Doors open at 7:00 pm; contest starts at 8:00 pm sharp.  To order advance tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/62437 or call the Carnaval Office at 415-920-0122.   

See Lou Seal Shake and the Dodgers Quake

Carnaval Night with the SF Giants at AT&T Park

Annual Carnaval Night with the SF Giants at AT&T Park on Wednesday, April 29.   Catch the Carnaval show and then watch the Giants beat the Dodgers! For info on the game go to: www.sfgiants.com.

Rumba in the Rotunda

Carnaval Goes to City Hall: May 6

Mark you calendar for the Carnaval San Francisco Celebration/Reception at City Hall on Wednesday, May 6 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.  Carnaval performances, King and Queen contestants and Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaims Carnaval weekend in San Francisco!  Free open to the public.  For info call: 415-920-0122.

Go Behind the Scenes

Volunteers Needed

Come and enjoy Carnaval San Francisco from the inside. Volunteers needed to join in the extravaganza and work on the Parade and the Festival on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24.     If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Christine at Christine@rbpevent.com

Vendor Booths Still Available

Have something to sell to 400,000 Carnaval spectators!  Vendor spaces are still available for rent at the two day Carnaval San Francisco 2009 Festival on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24.  Hurry before all the spaces sell out.  To download a vendor application go to:

 http://www.rbpevent.com/current-projects/carnaval-san-francisco/carnaval-festival

Genesis Cirollo  fundraiser party for Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts Carnaval contingent on Sunday, April 5 at MCCLA, 2868 Mission at 25^th Street from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.   Live entertainment featuring Ruben Aponte & Ceci Chevere, Latin Dance Grooves, Edison Drummers, MCCLA Youth Hip Hop Dancers.  Fashion Show “A la Chacon.  DJ Spinja and DJ Nica.  Admission: $12 or two tickets for $20.  Food and drinks for sale.  For info;  www.missionculturalcenter.org

Big Samba Show and Dance Party, a fundraising benefit for GRES Samba Mundial on Saturday, April 11 at Senzala Restaurant, 250 E. Java Drive, Sunnyvale, at 7:00 pm.  Pagode/Axe/Forre with Grupo Pagade Uniao and Samba floor show with Samba Mundial dancers and bateria.  Brazilian cuisine and special deal on t-shirts.   For info:  www.sambamundial.org/carnaval

Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance with Roberto Borrell,  master Cuban dancer and percussionist.  Spring session on  Saturdays at Dance Mission, 24^th and Mission,  form 3:30 to 5:00 pm.   $12 class.

Proyeccion Folklorica Guatemalteca  XELAJU’s 4^th Annual Mother’s Day Dinner and Dance on Saturday, May 2 at Mills College Faculty Lounge, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  $30 per person: or  table for 8: $200.  Guatemalan cuisine, cumbias, raffle, live performance by Marimba XELAJU and Anna Nitmar, international vocalist.  Benefits PFG XELAJU’s  Carnaval contingent.  For tickets call: (650) 218-3886.