The Carnaval of Cholula starts before the holy week, or Cuaresma as it is known here. Before all the performances, they prepare the neighbors they belong in their headquarters.

Bands of music practice with them to synchronize the rhythm and type of music they are going to play and dance, it is crucial because each neighborhood has its band, and they have to differentiate each play and dance.

They also invite people that will follow them. Also, who are going to use the muskets and how are they going to dress.

How I remember the parade when I was little.

When I was little, my grandma and I went to the Zocalo of Cholula to see the carnival parade. I didn’t realize this was one thing I would enjoy so much after so many years; I still like to see the Carnival, but now it is more of a tradition.

With my grandma, we always stayed in a safe zone; now that she is not here anymore, I want to preserve this tradition to see and admire the Carnival, the music, the smell, and the noise that sometimes you don’t like because you got scared by the sound of the muskets.

I liked the uniforms, the sound, and the smell not so much because one time, I got so close to the parade that the gunpowder stayed on my hair, and I had to change clothes because it was all over me.

This parade is more about a representation or a show of a moment that happened years ago, not like other types of carnivals of Christianity. It is a performance and music and brings together a representation of what was one of the love stories and an event that shocked the world of Mexico.

I like it because of the color people wear in their uniforms, the music from the bands that the battalions have when performing or when they are in their neighborhoods all day dancing. When you are at your home and know that the Carnival is going to start, you are expecting the boom of the muskets, so you know that the parade is getting ready to start.

What is the Carnival about?

Until recently I knew what was it about the carnival a tragic love story these events happened when the French army invaded Mexico in 1868. For me was normal two days off celebration but the reason why is divided is that the first day it announces the carnival and the second one it ends with the life of the lovers. It is so short and it needs to be longer haha well that also depends on the town that it was longer years ago but now it is a short celebration and also it is for security.

The first day is the battle between the French and Mexican armies. In the romantic story, the regent of the town of Huejotzingo promises his daughter to a French general. The Lover knew about it and kidnapped the girl; they ran and hid in a small house. It is also a representation of the invasion of the french army in 1862 to Mexico; you can hear the sound of muskets around the town.

The second day is where the music and Carnival start. The parade starts around noon, so you can see them on that main road of Cholula where the parade pass. I recommend being at the Plaza Soria, which has changed through the years. Sometimes they have done it there and others it is on the central plaza or as it is known Zocalo. You could wait for them there and watch the event from a safer position. You will hear the muskets so close, which could damage your ears, so you can bring or buy cheap earplugs they sell during the show and at the plaza.

It is so short, and it needs to be longer well that also depends on the town it last more years ago, but now it is a brief celebration for security.

You can see them from a safe distance at the end of the second day when all the battalions arrive at the plaza. It is shown when the bandit steals the mayor’s daughter and scape to save their love.

The army found the couple living in a small house, and as they found them, the house set on fire; this act ends the parade but not the Carnival; you continue to listen to the boom of the muskets and the music from the bands that were with the battalions.

The Battalions parade:

It represents the battalions that participate in the battle of the state of Puebla with differences in their outfits. Some are so elaborated, and others are a representation of the army clothes:

1. 1. Zapadores. The pioneers in the French army outfit a mix of a representation of the French army and the Mexican culture.
   2. Zacoapaxtlas. The natives of Puebla fought against the French military with machetes.
   3. Turkish. Send by the Sultan of Egypt, by request of Napoleon III.
   4. Indios. Part of the Zacoapaxtlas, but their distinction is what they carry and their hat.
   5. Zouaves or Zoavos. The light infantry of the French army