#Mazatlan Welcomes #International #Tourists to its 116th #Carnival #Celebration

Mazatlan, Mexico's "Colonial City on the Beach,"  is prepared to host more than one million international and domestic tourists at its Carnival 2014 celebration.  With hotels booked to capacity, thousands of day visitors expected and cruise ships in port, Mazatlan is ready to welcome a record-breaking number of guests.

From north of the Golden Zone through Mazatlan's Malecon boardwalk, Carnival showcases the Pearl of the Pacific's vibrant culture and history. Beginning as a small religious celebration, Mazatlan's Carnival is now a world-renowned event for tourists looking to celebrate.

"Carnival is our largest international festival, drawing in people from around the world and across Mexico," said Carlos Berdegue, President and CEO of El Cid Resorts, and vice president of the Mazatlan Hotel Association. "Carnival gets bigger and better every year, demonstrating Mazatlan's successful growth and development as a premier Mexican destination."

In 2013, the six-day festival allowed international and domestic tourists to witness parades, concerts and local traditions. For the 116th event, Mazatlan will offer attendees even more, as it incorporates and honors the arts through cultural events and exhibitions.

This year, festival-goers from the United States and Canada are benefiting from Mazatlan's 237 percent increase in air connectivity. Even with US Airways, Alaska Airlines, Aeromexico, Westjet and Sunwig already flying to Mazatlan, in December 2013, Delta Airlines and Sun Country added seasonal flights to the destination. Additionally, the port of Mazatlan has been buzzing since November 2013 with cruise passengers from three major cruise ships: The Norwegian Star, Azamara Quest and Holland America's ms Veendam.

Carnival kickoffs on February 27, 2014, and runs until March 4, 2014.