IAMA Annual Meeting; May 25-28 2007; San Francisco California
ARGENT HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
From: Amir Shoja <amir.shoja@physician.be>
The Grand Parade
Carnaval’s Grand Parade is a unique multi-cultural event that celebrates the traditions of many countries and cultures around the world. The floats are spectacular, the music and costumes lavish and varied. Beautifully designed floats depict rich multi-cultural themes, and often feature performers that excite and entertain the crowds.
Brazilian-style “escola” samba contingents with up to 300 members dance through the streets in fantastic feathered headdresses or sweeping Bahia skirts, while Caribbean artist perform the music and dance of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad and the Bahamas. Other Parade artists include Mexican Aztec performers, traditional African dancers and drummers, Polynesian dancers, Japanese Taiko drummers, Chinese Lion Dancers, giant puppets and folkloric artists representing Guatemala, Honduras, Bolivia & Perú, and special children’s contingents.
The Grand Parade dances through the Mission District streets of San Francisco, is viewed by hundreds of thousands of spectators. Sponsors of the Grand Parade receive a tremendous amount of visibility on the television Spanish & English broadcast audience and exposure on media outlets throughout the State of California.