Children in costume at the 2007 Carnaval festival. Photo John N. Lee

What kind of magic makes people, young and old, happy and sad, rich and poor, forget all of life’s turmoil and troubles, transforming them if only for a while into the free spirit they were meant to be?

What kind of power makes people want to be close to nature, adorned with feathers, beads, and bright colors dancing and feeling the moment? What kind of energy fuels your spirit and makes your heart beat in syncopation with a drum that started playing at the beginning of time? There is only one answer: Carnaval San Francisco.

Expanding and contracting throughout the year hundreds if not thousands of volunteers, musicians, dancers, artists, and dreamers work towards a weekend of organized chaos, dance, music and fun in the Mission. Each year Carnaval SF serves up this slice of magic and masquerade and it has been doing so for the last 30 years.

Beginning as a tribute to spring in Precita Park in 1979, the first Carnaval SF was organized by a small but determined group of artists, musicians, dancers and visionaries.

Marcus Gordon, Adela Chu, Carol Wiley, John Santos, Jose Flores, and “La Petra,” among others, were part of the first artistic spark that ignited Carnaval.

Attracting about 500 people circling Precita Park, playing drums, dancing, and in general having a good time (I know because I was there), you could feel the energy of something that was happening at the right place and the right time. No permits, no police, no idea that 30 years later the seed that they planted would grow into a muli-faceted multi-cultural event that is now televised and attracting people from all over the world.

Each year since 1979, Carnaval SF has emerged like a beautiful butterfly from its carnaval cocoon, more stunning and diverse from the year before. Set free on Memorial Day weekend, this ephemeral show lasts two days and then is gone, leaving you with a Carnaval afterglow, a little more human and a little more understanding of the many beautiful cultures that share the planet.

Now in its 30th year, the Carnaval SF parade and festival provides an unforgettable weekend filled with drama, grandeur and anticipation to be enjoyed by everyone that stands along the parade route or in front of a stage at the festival where musicians and dancers perform.

Some of the performers do it for the love of it and others for the glory trying to win the competition. If this isn’t enough, there are food vendors of every kind, arts and crafts booths selling treasures from all over the world, impromptu musical performances on every corner, babies in strollers, lovers holding hands, and carnavalescos running back and forth looking for their group or checking out the competition. Carnaval SF is a microcosm of the world attracting and encouraging everyone to participate in the magic and masquerade. No stereotypes, no protocols, no shame, just be yourself. Be free.

Carnaval SF has everything that the ballet, theater, and symphony have to offer, but it’s better. Unlike the ballet, theater, and symphony, you don’t need to buy a ticket, it’s free for all to enjoy. You don’t have to go uptown to see this show. It is close to where the people live and close to the streets that people use to go work, except on Carnaval weekend the people use the streets to play.

There is a sweet irony about Carnaval SF that snubs the establishment, signifying that the soul of a people won’t be reduced to a cold material status symbol like a string of pearls, a limousine, or a diamond studded bracelet. “Carnaval People” don’t need status symbols to validate who they are and have no use for borders that artificially separate one culture from another. Carnaval SF brings everyone together as one people, one culture respecting who you are and appreciating your individuality.

Long live Carnaval San Francisco and may it continue for another 30 years. Peace.