Carnival La Ceiba!

The HISTORY of the Grand International Carnival of La Ceiba (also known as Gran Carnival de La Amistad) started from rather humble beginnings. A Municipal Decree of March 15, 1929 officially established the holding of "la Feria Isidra" (the Fair of Isidro), and at the same time, established "San Isidro Labrador" (Saint Isidro the Laborer) as the patron saint of La Ceiba. The day of la Feria Isidra was a day of celebration for all the working men and women in the town. What began as a small fair has grown into a large event spanning an entire week, gaining world-wide recognition. The celebration in La Ceiba has been held every year since its inception, culminating in a large parade held on either the third or fourth Saturday in May. The La Ceiba Carnival is now the largest carnival held in Central America and is celebrated by hundred of thousands of partiers each year. It is followed worldwide by an impressive amount of people via satellite and cable TV.

Queen Elections

Nine candidates competed this year for the honor of Queen of the Fair Isidra and Grand International Carnival of La Ceiba 2010. They were beautiful young ladies aged 15 through 22 years, with a variety of education. Competeing were students, women beginning their careers at universities, and interns at local colleges.

Selecting the one who would be crowned " Queen of the Fair Isdra" were representatives of the Municipal Tourism Office, as well as of the Municipality of La Ceiba. The mayor of La Ceiba, Carlos Aguilar, expressed his commitment to making the Grand Carnival this year, one of the best in the history. Ultimately, Marla Yadira Escobar, age 19, was elected as the new Queen of the Fair and Grand International Carnival of La Ceiba 2010.

The Parade

The first parade during La Feria Isidra began as a venue to show off the beauty queen of the fair, or "Reina de la Feria" as she was known then. It was 1968, and the parade path was down San Isidro Avenue. The floats (five in total) and marching groups gathered at the main road out of town (which one can take to the airport or to the marina). There, the parade began and continued to travel on all the way to the ocean front.

La Ceiba Fair

The construction of the fair grounds began April 25th. The location this year is to be behind the UTH building. Fair rides are being erected, and the company responsible will be providing games, contests and prizes for all to enjoy.

See You in Ceiba

Make sure you plan to visit La Ceiba during Carnival week!