OK, I have to rant. Why, oh why, does Playa del Carmen not celebrate Carnaval at the same time as every other city/village/island in Mexico? And why, is it so hard to post an accurate itinerary of events, in a timely manner? I make every effort to read El Quintanarroense online, as it is the best of our local papers, and even they only posted the dates of the "event". Aaarg! How is a girl supposed to make plans for such a blog-tastic experience?!?! Never fear "Life's a Beach" readers. Yours truly will be camping out on la Quinta tomorrow, in hopes of catching a glimpse of glittery parade action!
Last night, we spent the evening exploring the vendors stalls set up next to the Municipal Plaza on Avenida 20, right by Walmart. This is our fifth Carnaval in Playa and I think the accompanying fair this year is the best ever. There were so many great dining/snack options and we all had a ball! I have so many great pics from this evening. Here are just a few.
Marquesitas, rolled, not folded as we have always seen them before.
Get your hot, fried, salty or sugary yum-yums here!
Fresh, hot papas fritas......
.....and that's right! Deep fried hot dogs!
Flan, not the most appealing that I've ever seen.
The "hideous blanket auction". This seemed to be more of a spectator sport than anything else.
Click here to see these guys in action. Sadly, I now hear this "pitch" in my sleep.
Serving utensils anyone?
Kitchen in a bag, $100 pesos!
How about a whimsical glass unicorn? I'm telling you Disney World has nothing on this place!
First order of business? Find and consume great Mexican carnie food! How about some carnitas!
Giant crepes, stuffed with meat, onions and whatever suits you. These looked really good!
Boiled corn on a stick, served with mayo, lime and chili powder. An acquired taste.
This set up looked fresh and almost healthy.
Ready for dinner.
Next, we went off in search of refreshment. This fresh, cold agua con fruitas looked tasty.......
....but, the super chido blacklight in this place drew us in like moths to a flame.
Or perhaps it was this enticing selection of "@ss glasses".
No, he can't help himself.
Cole was first to reach the "rob-u-blind" games of mis-fortune.
This was a popular booth.
We all gave this guy a wide berth.
Cole tried his hand at quite a few games. Such a patient lad.
Then as promised, we made off for the carnival rides, such as they are.
In the States, Cole is too little to ride the bumper cars alone....so, of course we did this first!
Click here for total mayhem!!
Eastside? Westside? Sorry. I am so not "down" with my gangsta signs.
These are for Wayne!
I have yet to catch a parade this year, but I was happy to watch these talented entertainers.
The Municipal Plaza was packed but subdued.
The Queen of Carnaval in Cozumel. Apparently, Playa del Carmen's King and Queen were crowned on Friday night. I missed it.
On the way home, we were to treated to a surprise appearance by the always amazing, "El Mistiko"!!!!
And his slightly slower cousin, "El Gordo". What the heck was in that "@ss glass" anyway?
I'm not making any promises, but these vendors should be here through March 3rd, the end of Carnaval, as advertised. I highly recommend you all make the effort to wander through the stalls. Next up...I am in search of a proper parade!!
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