A message from the CarnavalPV organizers, February 26, 2019: It is with a great deal of anguish, that organizers announce the cancellation of CarnavalPV scheduled for Tuesday, March 5th. We wish to thank those who have supported the annual event over the past several years, especially the south side businesses and organizations. Due to the increasing number of visitors to Puerto Vallarta, the registration numbers were low. The additional time needed to properly participate is just not available at this time of year. People of Vallarta of dedicating their time to our visitors, to ensure everyone is enjoying our paradise. For those that have paid, refunds will be processed immediately. We would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With Mardi Gras just a few months away, Puerto Vallarta is gearing up for a special edition of its annual parade. This year's three-kilometer-long carnival parade will begin at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 5th in the hotel zone and proceed on the world-famous Malecón to Los Muertos Pier.

Observers should be prepared to catch some beads and revel along with incredible floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, street performers and dancers, all part of the family-friendly festivities branded as CarnavalPV.

The friendly tenor of Puerto Vallarta and its yearly carnival is brought to the forefront by the diverse merrymaking crowd that is drawn and welcomed by the event: "gay, straight, light, dark, male, female, old, and young, all for a collective purpose, to get as many beaded necklaces as possible. Don't miss the fun," said CarnavalPV organizers, Gary Green and Tim Longpré, in a press release.

Businesses, organizations, schools and individuals can sign up and register their floats and troupes through email at info(at)carnavalpv.com or join the conversation at the festival's Facebook page. $10,000 pesos will be awarded to the most creative entry. Incanto, Andales on the Bay, and Reinas Bar captured the top creative honors in 2018.

Organizers said last year's event brought over 30,000 cheering residents and tourists from all walks of life together on the city streets to be wowed by floats and parade participants celebrating the diversity of the city.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is best known in New Orleans but celebrated in many cities around the world. Fat Tuesday refers to the day when many people eat fattening foods and stock up before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.