Get to know the traditions of Mummery, Caribbean Carnival and Carnaval de Puebla through an evening of entertainment, refreshments, and a panel discussion with leaders of the three traditions reflecting on history, commonalities and hopes for the future.

Work together with fellow attendees to create a Mummer backpiece from cardboard, satin, sequins, and plumes attached to a metal frame. Try it on at the end of the workshop and look out for it in next year’s Mummers Parade.

Make a traditional Zacapoaxtla headdress from brightly colored paper and ribbons as worn in the Carnaval de Puebla.

Get to know the history and culture behind Steelpan drums and the Soca music that provides the soundtrack for Caribbean Carnival, and try your hand at playing the drums.

Learn about the tradition of political satire in the Comic Division of the Mummers Parade using costuming, prop-making, skit choreography, and narrative to communicate a powerful message in 2 minutes!

Learn the ways in which Carnaval de Puebla members in Zacapoaxtlas and Zapadores costumes dance and learn the story behind these movements.

Get to know the style and history of Mummer String Band performance and learn to play a simple, classic Mummer song. Parts for saxophone and strings will be available. Some musical instrument experience is encouraged.

The Huejotzingo Carnival, in the state of Puebla, is one of Mexico’s most spectacular and deeply rooted festivals. Its music, a blend of marches, sones, and dances, is the soul of the celebration. Become immersed in its rich musical tradition and learn about the music that brings life to the “battalions” of sappers, zouaves, Indians, and highlanders. Some musical instrument experience is encouraged.

Come together in a group dance in the style of a Mummer Fancy Brigade performance, and get a taste for what it takes to put on a show like they do at the Convention Center on New Year’s Day.

Take part in a hands-on journey through the creative process of Caribbean Carnival costume design. Learn the fundamentals of mas—from sketching initial concepts and selecting vibrant fabrics to bringing full costume pieces to life through guided production, celebrating self-expression and craftsmanship.

Combine dance and musical elements of Latin American/Caribbean rhythms into a dance workout. In addition to stamina training, fun is the main focus, resulting in fun and motivating group workouts.