Manabí, a province in Ecuador, is gearing up for a grand Carnival celebration that promises a lively lineup of concerts and festivals. The region plans to host renowned international artists, with events such as the Mariana Fest in Manta featuring international DJs, as well as performances by urban music groups like Trébol Clan and Alzate in Crucita. The initiatives are designed to pull in a significant influx of tourists, estimated at more than 500,000, with a strong focus on coastal and urban tourism destinations including Manta, Portoviejo, Sucre, and Puerto López.

Local governments have crafted distinct programming for these locations, aiming to attract diverse audiences and bolster the economic revival of the tourism, retail, and hotel sectors. Manta is at the forefront of this effort, projecting approximately 280,000 visitors during the Carnival period. According to Ronald Zambrano, the director of Tourism for the Municipality, the strategy hinges on energizing over 800 tourism establishments, with an anticipated economic impact estimated at $9.5 million during the festivities.

The central event is set to be a major attraction, but the overall Carnival experience will encompass a variety of activities to engage attendees. This coordinated effort across multiple locations indicates a strategic approach to not only celebrate cultural heritage through music and dance but also to revitalize the local economy after the challenges posed by recent global events.