Sorry. I can’t talk right now. I’m working…
– rumbero talking overheard
San Francisco Carnaval 2026 took place on May 23 and 24, 2026. The tradition continues! It is a very local festival celebrating the cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, Chicano culture, even Black culture from the southern United States. It may be the last place in San Francisco were there is no big tech. Always a lot of dance groups, school groups, amazing costumes and floats, way too loud local DJs and good local bands.
This year there were a lot of groups in the parade from Colombia. The Mexican animales costumes (I know not where this tradition comes from) were off the charts. The parade is always on Sunday, starting at around 10am. It was a mild sunny day. Later in the afternoon the wind came up (as it does this time of year) out of the northwest- swirling around the Mission. Big kudos to Carlos Franco and his All-Star Band who pulled off a very challenging windy situation. Imagine a high pop fly in the summer at Candlestick – I’m and not sure how they caught those things. Music was flying everywhere. Letter C everyone. Yes. The mambo. More clothes pins!
On Sunday near the end the Radio Havana Rumberos had the spot. Amazing all-star cast of musicians and the drumming and dancing were off-the-hook. “Sorry. I can’t talk right now. I’m working…”
