San Francisco’s 2025 Carnaval is here!

by Zaire Saunders

Residents will have the chance to experience cultures from the African Diaspora on May 24 and 25, 2025, with San Francisco’s Carnaval festival and parade – this year’s theme: “Afro-Mundo: African Diaspora in the Americas.” With 47 years of festive fun, Caranval is heating up the summer season and remaining true to itself by highlighting the African cultural exchanges of Samba, Salsa, Jazz and Hip Hop that resonate globally. 

The day before the official parade, on May 24, Harrison Street will host a vibrant celebration. Food vendors, DJ block parties, artisan goods ready to be sold and more will be available for everyone to enjoy. One headliner of the May 24 festival is Wampi, bringing authentic sounds from Cuba. Another rocking the headliner stage is Camilo Lara’s Mexican Institute of Sound. 

The headliners will be performing on stage at the 17th and Harrison Stage at 5 p.m. and at the 22nd and Harrison Stage at 5 p.m. respectively. The festival on Harrison Street, on Saturday, May 24, begins at 11 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. 

The grand parade is Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Leading the procession will be selected Grand Marshalls Afro-Latino musician John Santos and Brazilian dancer Dandha Da Hora, both known for powerful performances which resonate with audiences. The parade is the highpoint of Carnaval San Francisco’s celebration, bringing together more than 3,000 dancers, musicians and artists representing the diverse and impactful cultures of Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and more.  

Santos promises that despite the absurd and bold attacks from the current federal administration,  SF Carnaval will remain “the most diverse celebration of who we are. The whole of Carnaval is the same. We have our consistent fight, but it’s steady. It’ll stay fresh.”

The procession begins at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets, moves west to Mission Street, continues north on Mission to 15th Street, turns east on 15th, and concludes at South Van Ness Avenue. 

Carnaval is free and open to the public, but there are opportunities to view the grand parade up close. Grandstand seating is available along Mission Street between 22nd and 23rd for the price of $40. You can purchase your tickets here. 

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