2026 Parade Comparsa Application
About the event
About the application
Photo by Kyle Adler
.
DATE OF PARADE: Sunday, May 24, 2026
EARLY BIRD APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, February 15, 2026 by 11:59 pm
LATE APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 15, 2026 by 11:59 pm
DEFINITION OF A COMPARSA
A comparsa is an artistic, street theater performance group with its own theme, cast of dancers, musicians, other performers, with choreography, costumes, props, and floats. A comparsa creates a new theme for each annual Carnaval San Francisco. To express this theme a comparsa builds a new float, choreographs new dances, performs new music, and sews/buys new costumes. Comparsas must have at least 30 dance performers, not including volunteers. A community organization, local business, company, government agency, or political entity is not a comparsa.
JUDGING CATEGORIES
- Contemporary / World Fusion
- Traditional / Folkloric
- Brazilian
- Caribbean
- Children & Youth
PLACING
*$700 to the 1st place winners of each category
*There will be no more OVERALL WINNERS.
Contemporary / World Fusion: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Traditional / Folkloric: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Brazilian: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Caribbean: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Children & Youth: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
JUDGING CRITERIA
Perpetual Motion (1 or 5): Judges look to see whether comparsas continually move ahead while passing the judges’ stage. Comparsas may move sideways to face judges while passing but must continue to move forward at all times. This improves safety on the route, and assists parade flow and time management.
Harmony/Balance of Form and Color (1-10): Judges look for visual cohesion in the presentation of each comparsa’s theme colors/patterns, or within each comparsa’s chosen colors/patterns if no theme is stated. Every comparsa member should support the theme colors in their dress or decoration. Judges also look for regularity of line formation in general, and symmetry and discipline of movement within choreographies.
Clarity of Comparsa Theme (1-10): Judges look for adherence to the comparsa’s stated theme. They notice whether costumes/regalia, floats, and other featured visual components are related to the comparsa’s theme. Every comparsa member should represent the theme in their dress or decoration.
Standout Costumes/Regalia (1-10): ‘Standout’ means special or noticeable. Judges will look for details. If your comparsa’s costumes or regalia are hand-embroidered, etc., or if there is a specialty feature that judges should look for, comparsas should include it in their description of theme. Remember that comparsas proceed past the judges quickly - help them notice what is most important.
Music (1-10): Judges listen for audible, vibrant music that is appropriate to each comparsa’s theme, whether recorded or live. Music should be motivating to dancers and appreciable by judges and spectators.
Dance (1-10): Judges look for dynamic choreographies appropriate to the comparsa’s stated theme. They notice technical skill and cohesion of motion and gesture, along with symmetry, regularity and discipline of movement.
Carnaval Spirit (1-10): Judges look for smiles, waves and interaction with spectators when appropriate to the comparsa. When not appropriate, judges will look for grace, composure and dignity of comparsa members.
Creativity & Authenticity (1-10): Judges look for uniqueness and dedication to detail in each comparsa’s presentation. Judges look to see that comparsas represent their themes with
cultural respect, awareness and humility.
QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES ABOUT THE PARADE
Arturo Carrillo, Parade Director: arturo@carnavalsf.org or
Marisol Melara, Parade Coordinator: marisol@carnavalsf.org
Terms & Conditions
Carnaval San Francisco has the right to refuse and/or prevent any person(s), vehicle(s), float(s) or Comparsa(s) from entering the parade for any reason, in addition, but not limited to, COVID-19, safety, condition, and size. A failure to comply by Carnaval San Francisco guidelines including not registering and paying required application fees can and will result in removal and disqualification of your participation in Carnaval San Francisco.
DISCLAIMER
Carnaval San Francisco has the right to refuse and/or prevent any person(s), vehicle(s), float(s) or Comparsa(s) from entering the parade for any reason, in addition, but not limited to, safety, condition, and size. A failure to comply by Carnaval San Francisco guidelines including not registering and paying required application fees can and will result in removal and disqualification of your participation in Carnaval San Francisco.
By submitting this application, you accept this waiver and disclaimer.
Waiver and Release: By participating in this Event, our comparsa and I do so at our own risk. We assume all risk of injury, illness, damage or loss to us or our property that might result, including without limitation, any loss or theft of personal property. We consent to medical treatment in the event of injury, accident and/or illness during the Event. We agree on behalf of myself (and my entire comparsa/organization, group and members) to release and discharge the organizers of this event, its principals, its producers, coordinators, agents & directors, all sponsors and their representatives and team from any and all claims or causes of action (known or unknown) arising out of their negligence. We acknowledge that we have carefully read this ‘Waiver and Release’ and fully understand that it is a release of liability. By my signature below, we are waiving any right that our comparsa and I may have to bring legal action to assert a claim against any and all Event sponsors for their negligence. We also verify that we have obtained all of our members consent to this Waiver and Disclaimer and hereby indemnify Cultura y Arte Native de las Americas (CANA) and Carnaval San Francisco and its agents from any claims asserted by any of our members individually. We hereby grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use our names and likenesses in any broadcast, telecast, video or print media reporting or advertising of the Event without compensation.
I have read this information and understand it. By signing this, my comparsa/organization and all of its members agree to follow the above Carnaval San Francisco rules. Failure to sign will result in my comparsa/organization not being allowed to participate in the Parade.
Prices
| Comparsa Cost | $100.00 | |
| Non-Comparsa Cost | $200.00 | |
| Additional Insurance | $200.00 |
Questions on the application
User information
- First name
- Last name
- Gender
- Birthday
- Address
Business information
- Business name
- Legal business name
- Contact name
- Address
- Phone
- Website (Optional)
- Logo (Optional)
Additional information
- Comparsa/Contingent Name
- Instagram URL
- Facebook URL
- Name of Main Point of Contact for General Compara Information
- Email of Main Point Contact
- Phone Number of Main Point of Contact
- 2nd Point of Contact Name for General Comparsa Information
- 2nd Point of Contact Email
- 2nd Point of Contact Phone Number
- # of Dancers
- # of Musicians
- # of Drivers
- # of Other Participants
- First Parade Line-Up Preference
- Second Parade Line-Up Preference (Must be different then 1st Choice)
- Explain any specific needs relating to your group’s placement in the parade line up
- Float Height x Width x Length
- Type of Music
- In a short description below, please tell us your theme for Carnaval San Francisco 2026.
- Describe the cultural tradition of your comparsa’s dance and choreography.
- Describe your costumes and/or regalia and their significance.
- Describe the music and/or musical instruments.
- Describe your float or other large scale visuals/props.
- Provide a brief history of your comparsa.
- Does your comparsa want to be judged?
- If your comparsa does want to be judged, under which category?
- Upload a photo of your comparsa/group
- Does your comparsa have insurance?
- I have read the terms and conditions. By signing this, my comparsa/organization and all of its members agree to follow the above Carnaval San Francisco rules.
