San Francisco Carnaval’s Grand Parade and Two-Day Festival Presented by SFCAT May 28, 2011

San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions Invites You to Come Live Your Fantasy at San Francisco Carnaval’s Grand Parade and Two-Day Festival on Memorial Day Weekend

California’s Largest Annual Multi-Cultural Celebration May 28 and 29 Highlighted by the Grand Parade on May 29

2011 Grand Parade features Grand Marshal Dr. Ana Maria Polo, Giants’ Mascot Lou Seal and the 2010 World Series Championship Trophy

WHAT:
San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT) proudly presents California's largest annual multi-cultural celebrations, San Francisco Carnaval 2011, taking place Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco. San Francisco Carnaval, themed “Live Your Fantasy,” will be held Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29 in San Francisco’s Mission District. Acting as this year’s Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade is Dr. Ana Maria Polo, author and star of the popular television program, "Caso Cerrado.” The 2011 Grand Parade will feature a very special appearance of the San Francisco Giants’ 2010 World Series trophy accompanied by the Giants’ mascot Lou Seal.

San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade is a unique, must see multi-cultural event that celebrates the traditions of many countries and cultures around the world. The floats are spectacular, the music is uplifting and the costumes are lavish. Beautifully designed floats depict rich multi-cultural themes, and feature musicians, dancers and other performers that excite and entertain the crowds.

As one of the Bay Area’s most spectacular traditions, the free, family-friendly San Francisco Carnaval showcases the very best of Latin American, the Caribbean and around the world cultures and traditions with a diverse array of food, music, dance and artistry.

WHEN & WHERE:
San Francisco Carnaval Festival: Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29
(Memorial Day Weekend), 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Harrison Street between 16th and 22nd Street
Carnaval Grand Parade: Sunday, May 29, 9:30 a.m.
Led by this year’s Grand Marshal Dr. Ana Maria Polo along with Giants’ mascot Lou Seal and the World Series trophy, the Parade begins at Bryant & 24th Streets, proceeds down Mission to 17th Street

ADMISSION:
San Francisco Carnaval Festival and Carnaval Grand Parade are FREE, but contributions made online at sfcarnaval.com and to donation boxes on-site are greatly needed and appreciated.

Grandstand seating is available for $30 and can be purchased online at www.sfcarnaval.com

PARADE HIGHLIGHTS:
Along with Grand Marshal Dr. Ana Maria Polo, Giants’ mascot Lou Seal and the 2010 World Series trophy, this year’s King and Queen of San Francisco Carnaval 2011 King Jay Paul and Queen Eyla will also be at the helm of the Carnaval Grand Parade.

With it’s rich multi-cultural themes, spectacular costumes, music and dancing, the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade takes place on Sunday, May 29 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets where it will proceed west to Mission Street. From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn east and flow into the festival area.

The Best Seats in the House: San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade Grandstand seating is now available for $30, and is the best way to view the parade. Visit SFCarnaval.com to purchase your tickets now.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
On Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, the San Francisco Carnaval Festival will offer food, music, dance, art, crafts and other fun activities and events on several stages for the entire family to enjoy. Spanning seven blocks, the San Francisco Carnaval Festival will take place on Harrison Street between 16th and 23rd streets (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). This year's festival highlights include three stages of continuous thrilling live music from around the globe, salsa dance classes and competitions, children's activities and much more.

At the Havana Village Dance Pavilion festivalgoers may take salsa dance classes, watch salsa demonstrations or even sign up for a sizzling salsa dance competition. The Havana Village will also be a nice place to relax during the Festival with seating, tables with umbrellas and a high-end food court.

Children and their families will have lots to explore at “Niñolandia,” a special area of the festival that offers children’s activities. “Niñolandia” will include fun children’s activities like inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a kid’s music camp and more! Additionally, Xfinity’s La Academia will feature a fun-filled sports center where children and adults can test their skills in soccer, football and even video games.

ABOUT
San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT)
San Francisco Carnaval was conceived 33 years ago by a group of local musicians, artists and residents eager to bring the spirit of Latin American and Caribbean culture to San Francisco. Throughout the years, San Francisco Carnaval has been produced by several local entities and for the last two years, the event has been produced by SAN FRANCISCO CULTURAL ARTS TRADITIONS (SFCAT). SFCAT is a new nonprofit organization with long-term commitment and involvement in Carnaval and San Francisco’s multi-cultural communities. San Francisco Carnaval is supported by the San Francisco Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund and wishes to thank its generous sponsors, including Verizon, Matagranos (Budweiser, Tecate), the San Francisco Giants, Dannon, 7-Eleven, Ford, Nissan, Xfinity, Telemundo, Astound, Clear Channel Radio (KMEL, KISS, WILD), Univision 14, Telefutura 66, Univision Radio (La Kalle, Estero Sol, Recuredo, Radio Informativa) and more.

UPCOMING CARNAVAL EVENTS:
Tuesday, May 24th
San Francisco Carnaval Night at the World Champion SF Giants AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza
Andres Torres and the rest of the Giants are proud to partner with SF Carnaval again as they bring music, culture, entertainment and overall Carnaval experience to AT&T Park! Arrive early for a special pre-game party with some of the Carnaval flavor you would see in the Mission District later that week along with various drink specials! Additionally, the special ticket package will include a special "Andres 'El Gigante' Torres" bobblehead! Proceeds from tickets sale go to SFCAT as well as Andres Torres' continued effort to assist children with ADHD.

To purchase tickets, go to:
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ticketing/group_special_events.jsp#carnaval
Or go to SFGiants.com and click on Special Events. SF Giants’ tickets are subject to dynamic pricing. Buy early for the best deals.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Please call the SF Carnaval hotline at 415.642.1748 or visit San Francisco Carnaval’s website at www.sfcarnaval.com.
Join the SF Carnaval Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/sfcarnaval

Official Website: http://www.sfcarnaval.com