Saturday February 21, 2009 11 am- 5 pm
Tucson Carnaval Celebration in Armory Park
On February 21 the second annual Tucson Carnaval celebration will be held in Downtown Tucson’s Armory Park, 220 S. 5th Avenue, from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The event will feature a parade at noon and live entertainment, crafts, local food vendors, and family-friendly events in the park and at the Tucson Children’s Museum. Admission to all events and to the Museum will be free.
“Around the world, and throughout the United States, Carnaval festivals are celebrations of community and diversity,” said Cliff Berrien, director of Batucaxé Afro-Brazilian drum and dance school and ensemble. “Our goal is to create an annual tradition that celebrates the diversity of our amazing community, as well as an opportunity to promote local organizations and downtown Tucson.”
This year’s event, which features the theme “Many Voices, One Song,” is presented by Batucaxé in collaboration with the Armory Park Neighborhood Association and Community Center, the Tucson Children’s Museum, and Many Mouths One Stomach.
The afternoon entertainment will include music from Brazil, Japan, Africa, the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as Flamenco dance, capoeira martial arts, and performances from Flam Chen Pyrotechnic Theater. The grand finale will feature a combined performance of all participating groups, with over 200 drummers and dancers.
Several prize packages are being raffled in support of Carnaval. Tickets for the raffle are available from participating groups and will be available the day of Carnaval. The drawing will be held at 4:00 pm.
Canned food donations for the Community Food Bank will be accepted throughout the day.
More information is available at www.batucaxe.org/carnaval.htm, or by email at carnaval@batucaxe.org.