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El Carnaval de Puebla
El Carnaval de Puebla, an annual festival in South Philadelphia, is one of the city’s biggest celebrations of Mexican culture and history, drawing as many as 15,000 people per year.
The event honors Mexico’s 1862 victory over French occupiers at the Battle of Puebla. Hundreds of Carnavaleros parade along Washington Avenue before a big fest in Pennsport in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, complete with live music and plenty of food.
The 2020 festival takes place Sunday, April 26.
El Carnaval de Puebla commemorates Mexico’s military victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, where the Mexican Army successfully defended the city of Puebla from French invaders. (Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo celebrates this victory and not Mexican independence, which is celebrated on September 16.)
Philadelphia’s El Carnaval de Puebla event kicks off with a musical welcome celebration at 1801 S. Chadwick Street ahead of the parade, which begins at noon.
El Carnaval de Puebla participants wear masks and carry flags representing Mexican historical figures and villages. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Hundreds of men and women dressed in bearded masks, capes and other Mexican stylings representing historic individuals from the monumental battle parade east along Washington Avenue to 5th Street and Washington Avenue.
The parade concludes at Sacks Playground (400 Washington Avenue), where a big festival keeps the party going until 6 p.m.
Live bands (including some from Mexico) provide entertainment, and food trucks and local vendors sell delicious Mexican cuisine.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Legendary barbacoa and homestyle Mexican fare in South Philly...