Every year Carnaval vibes take over the imagination and hearts of millions in the Carribean and abroad. The celebration varies in flavor and intensity, probably the most lavish are the Brazilian and Trinidadi version.  These are big parades with lots of groups of dressed up performers doing choreographed music and dance.  Its a lot of fun!  We have our own Carnaval celebration here in San Francisco around mid-May each year.

I’ve been involved with different groups performing in San Francisco Carnaval for several years.  In 2009 I joined up with my good friend Theo and his new troop SambaFunk! and the Funkquarians!!!  What a blast we had and continue to have as the people in purple! (see picture!!)

Your experience of carnaval can vary greatly depending on what group you are involved with and I love the diversity of our group.  Of course, you can also always be an observer.    The way San Francisco Carnaval turns out it doesn’t seem to me to be nearly as much to watch as it is to participate – but of course its an easy option.

Funkquarians take the stage in San Diego 2010

Since its inception, the SambaFunk! crew has performed in the San Diego Brasil Day parade twice.  In fact the Funkquarians were interviewed, photographed, and made the headlines of the local news.   Here is the article from the 2010 event.

Many of the participants in carnaval floats in the Bay Area are artists involved in dance and especially ethnic dance.  A lot of the dance studios are host to African and African-diaspora style classes with live musicians, especially drummers.  It can be quite an ecstatic experience.  For some of us, its part of a life-style.