Every May, La Ceiba throws the biggest party in Honduras: the Gran Carnaval Internacional de la Amistad (Great International Friendship Carnival). The whole city takes to the streets for a float parade, dance troupes, live music and neighborhood parties. If you are thinking of going in 2027, here is what you need to know.
When is the 2027 La Ceiba Carnival?
The carnival is part of the Feria Isidra, honoring San Isidro, the city’s patron saint (May 15). The celebrations last several weeks and end with the big parade on a Saturday in the second half of May; in 2026, the parade was on Saturday, May 23. The official 2027 date is announced by the organizers ahead of time: check carnavallaceiba.com.
What to expect
- Carnavalitos: in the weeks before, each neighborhood holds its own party with music, food and dancing.
- Crowning of the queens: the fair has its carnival queens, who lead the parade.
- The big parade: floats, dance troupes and bands make their way along the main streets during the day.
- Concerts: at night, stages host national and international artists.
A little history
La Ceiba held its first “Feria la Isidra” in 1917, in honor of San Isidro Labrador. In 1968 a parade for the fair queen had only five floats, and in 1976 the first “carnavalito” took place in Barrio Mejía. Today the carnival draws hundreds of thousands of people: in 2008 the Municipal Tourism Unit reported more than 500,000 visitors. Source: Wikipedia, “La Ceiba Carnival”. Read more in the history of La Ceiba.
Tips for enjoying the carnival
- Book your hotel weeks in advance: the city fills up. Hotel Guacamayos is downtown, close to the parade route.
- Get there early for a good spot on the route, and bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
- Carry only the cash you need and keep your phone in a front pocket.
- Take a taxi at night and agree on the fare before you get in.
- Make a trip of it and see what to do in La Ceiba in the days after.
Plan your carnival trip
- Where to stay: find hotels in the directory and check the current deals.
- Getting here: read how to get from San Pedro Sula airport to La Ceiba and getting around the city.
- More to do: stay a few extra days with our 3 days in La Ceiba plan.
- Calendar: see all La Ceiba events.
Photo: Ramón Cerritos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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