‘Carnaval’ parade, music coming to Vegas

The streets of downtown Las Vegas will come alive Saturday night as bands, dancers and floats celebrate America’s diversity.

The Las Vegas Carnaval International is celebrating its third year with a parade. Although the carnival is typically a Latin American event, it includes multiple cultures and ethnic affiliations.

The parade will have about 12 floats, with each carrying a carnival queen representing countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and the Philippines.

“We expect more than 1,500 people to come out,” said Freddy Chavez, founder of the event.

Part of the carnival’s mission is to bring out the great diversity that all Americans share, according to the event’s website.

Jennifer Salinas, the famed Bolivian boxer, will be the special guest for the night.

The family-friendly event will begin at 7 p.m. The parade staging area will be on Carson Avenue between Las Vegas Boulevard and Sixth Street. The parade will continue along Fremont to 11th street.

Vendors will sell food at the Llama parking lot on North 11th Street.

Musical performances and an after party will be held from at 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Riviera. Tickets can be bought online or at the door.

While admission is free, a $10 donation is suggested.

For Chavez said it’s been a personal mission to keep the carnival tradition alive. He especially wants children to learn and be a part of one of the oldest traditions in the Americas.

“I want people to come and feel the energy of the carnival in person. It has taken a lot of work on my behalf and I hope to make the Las Vegas carnival one of the best in the world,” he said.

For more information visit www.lvcarnavalinternational.com.

Contact Paulina Rojas at projas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0206.