Carnaval San Francisco – 45 Years of Music and Movement!

Carnaval San Francisco is a brilliant kaleidoscope of color, costumes and community spirit, but in its heart and soul stir the captivating rhythms of music and dance.

Artists in our beloved Mission District gave birth to Carnaval in 1978 with the belief that their passion for Latin, Caribbean and Afro-Diasporic music would unite people across ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientation, gender identification or religious beliefs.

From the beginning, the sounds of salsa, samba, soca, mariachi, merengue, cumbia, and reggae music paved the way for Carnaval to thrive. Now modern sounds such as funk, bachata, dancehall, hip-hop, Afro-beats and reggaeton have joined the mix, resonating with the younger generation of revelers.

For 45 years Carnaval has featured world-class artists such as Santana, Tower of Power, Celia Cruz, Oscar de Leon, Los Lonely Boys, Tito Puente, John Santos, Olodum, and Los Tigres del Norte. We are proud that these high caliber performances are provided to our community, free-of-charge and open to all ages.

Older adults who have participated in Carnaval’s Grand Parade and Festival for decades now bring their grandchildren to experience the sights and sounds of the event, ensuring that the traditions get passed on. Their 45-year commitment to these traditions is a testament to the power of music and its multi-generational appeal.

As we gear up for our 45th anniversary, we pay homage to the artists that have shaped our multicultural and multigenerational celebration by remembering their music through the classic 45 vinyl records. Like those 45s, we want to ring in our 45th anniversary in a fashion that is vibrant, powerful and timeless.

Here’s to celebrating Carnaval San Francisco: 45 Years of Music and Movement!

Carnaval San Francisco, with roots in the Mission District since 1978, has never had a brick-and-mortar space to call its own. Since 2009, we have been evicted from five different locations due to the rapid rate of gentrification and the disappearance of cultural institutions and artists in San Francisco. After more than 44 years of existence, we will finally have a lifetime permanent casa to call home in the Mission District.

Carnaval San Francisco’s Cultural Arts Healing Center will help bring long-term sustainability for Carnaval artists, musicians, and dancers which will continue to preserve our cultural roots and traditions for the next seven generations. The permanent home will provide a dance and music rehearsal space, community gallery, a recording studio, art maker space and a performance space. READ MORE…