About 450 security personnel from all three levels of government will be deployed to monitor the celebration zone during the Gran Carnaval de Ensenada 2026, authorities announced.
Alejandro Monreal, director of the Ensenada Municipal Police, said officials aim to replicate last year’s event, which concluded with no major incidents during its six days of festivities.
He added that the operational plan is already in place at Playa Hermosa, where the celebration will begin Thursday, March 12.
Prohibited items
Monreal reminded attendees that glass bottles, sharp objects and chairs will not be allowed inside the festival area, with chairs restricted for safety reasons.
“Unfortunately, this year we will restrict the use of chairs within the celebration area to ensure the safety of all visitors,” he said.
Security operations will include three main entry points to the carnival grounds: at Guaymas Street and Costero Boulevard; Plinta Street and Costero Boulevard; and the main entrance at Esmeralda Street and Costero Boulevard.
“About 450 personnel will be deployed inside and outside the venue,” Monreal said, noting that members of the Mexican Navy will assist with security inside the grounds, along with certified private security personnel.
Reinforced surveillance
Security will also be strengthened with screening arches, handheld metal detectors, K-9 units, drones and surveillance cameras to help safeguard the festival grounds and concert areas.
Officials said monitoring will remain constant to manage large crowds, particularly on the days expected to draw the biggest audiences.
Authorities estimate up to 80,000 attendees could gather on peak days, including Sunday when Banda MS is scheduled to perform and Tuesday when Yuridia will take the stage.
Overall, attendance is projected at 50,000 to 60,000 people per day during the six-day celebration.
Opening ceremony and first night lineup
The Gran Carnaval de Ensenada 2026 officially begins Thursday, March 12, with the traditional “Quema del Mal Humor” ceremony scheduled for 9 p.m. on the main stage at Playa Hermosa.
Following the ceremony, the first night of concerts will begin with a performance by La Parranda Tour.
Additional performers scheduled to appear on the main stage that evening include Mario Alberto, Yuliana, Auténtico Nivel, Los Torrentes, Jony Maldonado, Más Ke Fuerza, Código 80, Santiago Duarte, La Odisea, La Ausentiza, Rommel Peraza and Descendencia MT, offering a night of music and celebration for locals and visitors alike.
Free concerts
Municipal officials also emphasized that all concerts are free, with no ticket sales and no VIP section at the main stage.
Authorities urged the public not to fall for scams from individuals or social media pages claiming to sell special access or preferred seating, noting that such offers are false.
They clarified, however, that the supermarket chain Calimax, the event’s official sponsor, may run authorized promotions offering customers access to a designated preferred viewing area as part of approved event activities.
