Calendar / Gran Carnaval Internacional de La Ceiba
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Music & Culture Festivals in La Ceiba
Gran Carnaval Internacional de La Ceiba
May 22, 2027ExpectedGran Carnaval de La Ceiba 2027
Organized by Municipalidad de La Ceiba, which publishes the official dates and program.
Why go
The Gran Carnaval Internacional de La Ceiba is the biggest street party in Honduras, and for one Saturday in May the whole city pours onto Avenida San Isidro. It is the climax of the Feria Isidra, the city fair held since 1917 in honour of San Isidro, and by 2026 the carnival reaches its fifty-fourth edition. The main avenue closes to traffic and fills with floats, brass and drum bands, the reigning carnival queens on carrozas and dozens of costumed comparsas dancing punta, the Garifuna rhythm of this coast, late into the night. In the days before, smaller neighbourhood carnavalitos spread the party across the city's barrios, each with its own stage and food stalls. It draws hundreds of thousands from across the country and the diaspora, and unlike a ticketed festival the street is the venue, free and open, with the rainforest and the Caribbean framing a city that lets loose once a year.
When it runs
Held on a Saturday in May each year as the climax of the Feria Isidra, honouring San Isidro, on Avenida San Isidro in La Ceiba. Upcoming: 23 May 2026 (54th edition); a 2027 edition is expected in May.
- May 22, 2027ExpectedGran Carnaval de La Ceiba 2027
- Ran May 23, 2026Gran Carnaval de La Ceiba 2026 (54th)
Dates read confirmed where the organizer has published them, and expected where we've projected the recurrence. Always verify with the organizer before booking.
What to expect
The Gran Carnaval falls on a Saturday in May during the Feria Isidra, honouring the feast of San Isidro. The main parade takes over Avenida San Isidro from afternoon into the early hours; the week before brings neighbourhood carnavalitos across the city. May is hot and humid on the coast, so light clothing, water and sun cover help. Crowds are dense on the avenue, so agree a meeting point and watch your belongings.
Getting there & around
La Ceiba has its own airport and the ferry terminal for the Bay Islands, and is about three hours by road from San Pedro Sula. The carnival centres on Avenida San Isidro in the heart of the city, walkable from central hotels, which sell out months ahead for the weekend. Roads close and transport is stretched on parade night, so base yourself within walking distance of the avenue and book accommodation early.
Where it happens
La Ceiba, Honduras.
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