May 25 - 26, 2019 (Saturday – Sunday)
Harrison Street and 24th Street,
San Francisco, CA
The 41st San Francisco Carnaval Festival transforms
Harrison Street into a wonderland. Come celebrate annual Carnaval San
Francisco, a free 2–day family festival in San Francisco’s Mission District.
The word “healing” often refers to the relief of physical
pain. However, there are other forms of pain that also cause us distress --
mental, emotional, and spiritual. All human beings share the common desire to
avoid pain, to heal and live healthy lives. Carnaval San Francisco, following
the traditions of the many countries represented in our celebration, believes that
culture has the power to heal today as it has in the past.
Culture is in everything we see and do--it is in our
values, belief systems, and activities. It is passed from one generation to the
next by communication and imitation. A society’s cultural traditions are kept
alive through music, dance, theater, literature, language and art.
During the civil rights struggles of the 1960’s, art and
music was used to galvanize and inspire community action, while healing the
minds, bodies, and souls of people. A famous phrase from the era, “La Cultura
Cura,” translated as “Culture Heals,” was used in culturally relevant poster
art, music and theater to communicate the issues of the day and inspire
community action.
Carnaval San Francisco intends to rally behind “La
Cultura Cura” as a social and moral statement to counter the polarized political
environment in the U.S. today. As an organization, we aim to heal and build
support systems for our community through the creation of culturally relevant
art, music, dance and dialogue.
We believe that culture has the power to affirm one’s
value, build a diverse community, and politically mobilize people of color,
leading to positive outcomes and collective healing. Although Carnaval San
Francisco is best-known as a massive two-day celebration that takes place over
Memorial Day weekend, we also create year-round cultural events that heal our
community such as the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday festivity, the Royalty
Competition, photo exhibits in public spaces, and our year-round Cultural Arts
& Health Education in Mission District public schools.
In the spirit of resistance and healing, Carnaval San
Francisco dedicates the 2019 celebration with the theme “La Cultura Cura /
Culture Heals.”
It's an honor to have the legendary Los Tigres del Norte
perform at Carnaval. After many decades in the industry, they continue to be
wildly popular. Their songs resonate with several generations. There's also a
synergy between the band's music and Carnaval San Francisco's theme this year.
"La Cultura Cura/Culture Heals" was chosen to bring awareness to the
fact that the creation of art, music, dance and dialogue helps communities
build support systems.
Cost: Free
