A singer performs mariachi, joined by several musicians (Isabella Diaz-Mira | Photo Editor).

Presented by Washington University’s Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), the 26th annual Carnaval is a must-see for all students. As WashU’s Latin American showcase, the show features 10 distinct acts, including musical performances, choreographed dances, and dramatic skits, all showcasing the diversity of various Latin American art forms. The show is a testament to the talent of over 130 performers. 

“Carnaval” refers to the eponymous, traditionally Catholic holiday that precedes a 40-day period of fasting known as Lent. Over time, the holiday grew beyond its Catholic roots, taking on unique meanings for different nations. Today, the festival is celebrated in more than 50 countries worldwide, including Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, to name a few. In Caribbean countries, Carnaval has roots in the historical defiance of enslaved peoples as well. Carribeans honor their rebellion by engaging in lively communion in addition to donning broken chains and black oil — symbols of the enslaved people’s resistance. 

WashU’s annual Carnaval is an homage to this holiday, bringing WashU’s various communities together in a joyous celebration of art. 

“Nothing really brings together the community on campus as much as [Carnaval],” co-director and senior Pedro Morales said, when asked about his personal connection to the showcase. “All different Latinos, all different parts of campus, all different schools come together for this one performance … it’s something that happens once a year that’s really special.”

One notable act is the fashion and dance showcase presented by WashU’s Caribbean American Student Association (CASA). Their segment features 10 talented dancers adorned in stunning Caribbean festival attire: large feather headdresses, elaborately beaded waistbands, and shimmering sequin skirts. Each performer shows off their outfit in a runway-like spectacle, where the spotlight is given to individual Caribbean nations: Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico are among those featured. This performance is a colorful representation of Caribbean fashion and heritage, allowing the talent of singular performers to shine. 

A dancer performs mariachi (Isabella Diaz-Mira | Photo Editor).

Another highlight is the folklórico dance showcase, featuring over 20 performers dressed in vibrantly-colored, flowy dresses and intricately woven tunics. Folklórico, a lively dance rooted in Mexican culture, is a staple of national celebrations such as Mexican Independence Day. Carnaval’s performance of the dance captivates the audience with graceful flourishes and the joyous “Flor de Piña,” a dance from Oaxaca known for its usage of the pineapple to symbolize Mexican culture.

Among the two musical performances is a concert from ALAS’ nine-piece mariachi band, accompanied by a pair of dancers. Defined by its passionate vocals and a bright timbre, mariachi traces its roots as far back as the 1850s from rural folk traditions in western Mexico. Today, mariachi is an essential part of Mexican culture, and is performed at celebrations, festivals, and even formal events such as weddings or funerals. ALAS’ mariachi ensemble delivers a passionate, well-rehearsed set featuring guitarists, violinists, and a trumpeter, all bringing the energetic, heartfelt sounds of mariachi to life. Their performers pay homage to the rich traditions of mariachi while infusing it with their own unique style. 

Other highlights of the show include the Brazilian-funk-inspired dance showcase, complete with elaborate hip movements and dynamic footwork; the flag walk, where groups dance across the stage, proudly displaying the flags of their national heritage; the concert from ALAS’ Chicane band, a rock-like four-piece group complete with three exceptional vocalists; the senior dance, which begins with a performance from eight dancers and quickly transforms into a bustling celebration as dozens more join in; the bomba dance, featuring 12 dancers in colorful skirts, their graceful movements synchronized to the pulse of lively drums; and finally, the salsa dance showcase, a flawlessly choreographed performance, highlighting dance in a refined and captivating form.

Performers from the skits that bookend each of the different Carnaval acts (Isabella Diaz-Mira | Photo Editor). 

While each of Carnaval’s 10 acts offers its own unique spectacle, the show ultimately encapsulates the intersections between each art form. The theme for this year’s Carnaval is eternidad, which translates to “eternity.” This theme speaks to the show’s display of deeply beautiful Latin American cultures, where the intersections between their diverse niches can reach our hearts and reveal the timeless connections between its many artistic expressions and the emotions they evoke.