El Gran Carnaval de La Ceiba 2006

This week there has been all sorts of festivities going on in Ceiba.. it is the week where the milk company, Leyde, has a rodeo/fair of sorts that lasts for a week long AND it is the week of Carnaval - so every day there were different events and each night a "Carnavalito" in different locations around the city. There are special stands all over the city selling stuff - and there has been so many more people out and about. Tonight is the actual Gran Carnaval Internacional de La Amistad - as well as one of the final futbol games being played in the city. I have kept my participation to a minimum - just going to one carnavalito for a little bit with Bill and Emily Noonan, and then going to the massive parade today. It started around 2:30 - and at 4:30 it was still going strong. I am honestly not sure how long it lasted but I heard that it did until 5:30 or 6pm.
About an hour before the parade started - we decided to walk down the street, Ave. San Isidro, to see all the stands of food and gifts - and a TON of Mardi Gras beads being sold and tossed everywhere! The man in the picture below decided to get in our picture with us.. it was random - but everyone was in such good spirits on the street!

here are some more fun pictures from the parade: Here is the Mayor, Dr. Simon, and Ms. Honduras - kicking off the parade - the mayor said "Hola" to me as he walked by. don't I feel special. ;) and then later the President of Honduras, Mel something, came by on horse back and waved at us.. yes, that is the president.. can you find me in this picture? (look on the right side...) And yes, those pin wheels are cleverly stuck into a head of cabbage for such an exciting display... There were a TON of horses prancing around and doing all sorts of crazy tricks..

there were so many fun floats and bands.. I could have done without the half-naked women and men dancing... but overall it was really fun and I'm glad I went! I have NEVER seen that many people on the streets and I can only imagine what the party is like tonight...

believe it or not, watching the parade in the hot sun was exhausting even though we were just standing there.. I am definitely ready for some rest tonight before I go to Roatan tomorrow and then return to say my goodbyes..