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Mexico is one of the Latin countries that celebrates Carnavales in one form or another in its 225 communities, according to a published article in We Are Mitu.

Every time we think about carnivals, the first place that comes to mind is Rio. However, other Latin countries celebrate with carnivals too though it is not as big and famous as those in Rio de Janeiro, they are nevertheless lively and fun.

Meanwhile, there are 225 communities in Mexico where Carnavales is celebrated. The carnivals in Mexico have a different meaning and history, but they are all lively and colorful and are closely linked to the 'lost days' or 'mal aguero' of the Mesoamerican Xalámatl calendar. 

Carnivals in Mexico were introduced by the Spanish just like other Catholic celebrations. The celebration also gained acceptance by the indigenous communities as the carnivals fell the same time as the lost days of the Mesoamerican calendar. Both the Carnival and Lost Days share the same traditions of wearing masks and letting social rules slide. However, the Spanish stopped the celebration as the social rules were sliding a little too much.

As a matter of fact, during the 17th century, it was those two things that caused the colonial authorities to stop the Carnival in New Spain. The celebrations of the indigenous and the lower castes have become more disrespectful and mock the authority. Hence, in the 18th century, major Carnival was banned in multiple cities. 

However, despite this, several small towns have managed to keep the tradition alive. Some rural areas were able to manage their celebration and they survived. Meanwhile, the banning of Carnavales has resulted in fiestas becoming very localized. Here are some of the most famous and largest Carnavales:

1. Mazatlan, Sinaloa 

This celebration takes place from February 8 to 13. This is one of the most popular carnivals that takes place in Sinaloa. This celebration is known as the oldest in the country. At Sinaloan, you'll find people celebrating "The coronation of the king of 'Alegría' and the carnival queen," you can go to the inauguration of gastronomic tasting menus, the fantasy dance, and the "quema del mal humor." There are also other activities during the celebration like naval combat, the dance of the ambassadors, and more.

2. Veracruz

The celebration takes place from Feb. 7 to 13. This is one of the loudest and most colorful events in Mexico. This year, both adults and children will be crowned as the carnival king and queen. Expect more activities like concerts, parades, lots of food, and the traditional 'quema de mal humor.' 

3. Carnaval de Campeche 

The celebration takes place from January 1 to February 13. This is one of the oldest celebrations in the country. The most important activity is the 'quema del mal humor,' which is where a rag doll is dressed as a pirate. The Festival de Las Flores starts as the doll is set on fire as well as the popular dances and parades.

During the celebration, they will also choose a king and a queen who will be crowned on a Saturday and this is known as 'Sabado de Bando'. There are other activities like ronda naval, which is known as a paint fight, concerts, and more.

4. Carnaval de Morelos

The celebration takes place from Feb. 7 to Mar. 24. This is one of the longest carnival celebrations because the state of Morelos has many carnivals and that includes Axochiapan, Tlatizapan, Tlayacapan, Tepoztlan, Yautepec, and Atlatlahuacan. However, the most famous carnivals that represent the Morelos is the 'representation del origen del Chinelo' in Tlayacapan.

So if any of these celebrations seem exciting to you, set your plans, book your accomodations and head south of the border. We guarantee you will have a wonderful time.