CARNIVAL IN LA PAZ

For a few days everyone living or visiting La Paz seemed to be at Carnival.  Set up began on Wednesday, January 27 for opening Thursday evening.  It was a great place to people watch!
Enjoy!

Jim and Tricia Bowen
S/V Falcon VII

The decaying Arcos Hotel made a great backdrop for the rides being assembled. 

Buffing a ride the night before opening.

They tried out the lights just as we walked by.
You'll notice the floor wasn't even in place yet.

Waiting for riders at dusk.

The ride was closed but this little one was reserving her front row seat.

Statues and sideshows all in the same block.

Unused craft and merchant carts two blocks in land from the malecon.

Notice the fine example of safety with the sophisticated electrical system.
These extension cords were strewn everywhere.

While being assembled next to the beach...

A he-man kind of trampoline. Notice Vanna on the right.

Setting up the stands takes all night.

Not much fun for kids who's parents run stalls; set up takes all night.

Rehearsal night

Massive piles of blankets for sale.

The rides are crazy!

Kids climb into these balls and move around the pool near the
merry go round swing ride.

The little guy in green gets a bit of Mom's attention while she tries to
run the floating toy stall.

Of course there's food!  This was the healthy stuff compared to
all the deep fried, sugary, hot and spicy stuff for sale everywhere.

A preview of the future...mustache at 4!

 

Below the blue dolphin blanket is a little boy... He's the one with the
microphone talking non stop to the audience.  His dad's to his right and
his mom and brother display the wares.  I don't think he was more than 9. 

More carni kids. Mom's minding a food booth just out of sight.

Smooch! Daaling!