New for the 2013 Christmas season at the Disneyland Resort, the exciting Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party takes over Paradise Garden in Disney California Adventure several times a day, featuring the Three Caballeros on a holiday float, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse transported on colorfully decorated street tricycles, flag-bearers carrying papel picado banners, Mexican folklorico dancers, samba dancers and drummers, plus giant Mojiganga puppets, including Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
It’s a surprise moment that no one will see coming, but will quickly enjoy as talented dancers entertain for more than ten minutes while Disney’s characters keep the party going around them.
Video: Viva Navidad Street Party debut with Three Caballeros, Mickey, Minnie at Disneyland
In between Street Party performances, character meet and greet with guests, as well as do a little dancing while live bands play music nearby, including traditional Mariachi, Norteño, and other regional music groups.
Video: Viva Navidad meet-and-greets and live music
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is a celebration inspired by the spirit of the Latino culture – and certainly would not be complete without food. Dining locations in Paradise Garden add an array of popular Mexican food options with menus featuring Mexican dishes that are often served for the holidays. Among the best are pozole (hearty stew), sopes de barbacoa, and buñuelos (a deep-fried sweet treat). Other offerings include chicken mole drumettes, pescado (fish) Veracruzano, champurrado (Mexican-style hot chocolate), sweet tamales, torta al pastor (pork sandwich), and choco flan.
(Food seen below was available buffet-style during the Viva Navidad debut media party last night.)
During Disney ¡Viva Navidad! guests will also find arts and crafts, storytelling and face-painting, as well as unique merchandise in the area. The special daily festival continues through January 6, 2014.
More photos from Disney ¡Viva Navidad!:
(Photos and additional reporting by Shawn Marshall. Video by Carmelle Marshall.)