Day Three Comparsas - The men in drag try to kill a cockroach, Doña Flora and group impersonate Barrack and Michelle Obama and ACES School try to kill the worm! Much fun and entertainment.
-Editorial (Feb.4, 2010) It is always gratifying to see the Town Council promote and encourage the Carnaval festivities in San Pedro, encouraging street dancing of “comparsas” and parade etc. Very evidently the Council would like to make the occasion a tourist attraction as well as a fun-filled cultural extravaganza.
Well, it is our opinion that carnival is fun and good, but the excessive and aggressive painting might be ruining the possibility of this cultural tradition. We know for a fact that a lot of people are afraid to be on the streets to enjoy because there is no respect on whom to paint nor how. And here is our contribution. Could the Town Council make an effort to set some guidelines, go over the radio to educate the public, and enforce the rules, using the police probably?
Our suggestion will not take away one bit of fun. In fact it will add because people will be willing to go out and participate and not mind being painted. Trust me; there will be more people on the streets to enjoy the festivities.
We know that there is always the issue of using water paint during Carnaval. Most of those who don’t like the painting are the businesses and homeowners who fear that their fence, building, private property and sings will be damaged by reckless painter. These people have every right to be upset if their property is damaged, heck its expensive to do repairs. What needs to be addressed is the proper patrolling of police officers who will enforce the law and special rules that govern the celebrations. Carnaval is all about fun, but having respect of those who do not want to participate in the painting and private property. The authorities should be more strict and vigilant of those breaking the law. People should be fined and or incarcerated if they are caught destroying private property. This would set an example for others and revelers will be more cautions knowing that the authorities are watching and there are true consequences to their bad actions. There will be less damage by paint on public and private properties. There will be less people annoyed with paint and fighting, and there will be less people walking with knives and sticks to defend themselves from the paint aggressors. There will be more street dancing. There will be more watchers following the group dances. To put it simply, there will be more people on the streets enjoying Carnival, and there will be more people who will say, “I don’t mind going out and risk being painted.
Hopefully the Town Council or other town leaders can give this some thought and effort to have a more organized cultural festivity. This is the time to start the planning; we are sure the public will support these ideas.
Miss Vicky Balam was officially crowned Miss Carnaval 2010 at the Carnaval Fair that was held on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Central Park to kick of this year’s Carnaval celebrations.
The block party was a major success as hundreds flocked to Central Park to enjoy great food, drinks, music and entertainment put together by the San Pedro Town Council. Performances by The San Pedro Dance Company and Barbara’s Dance Group kept the crowed entertained during the night. Miss San Pedro had the honors of being the emcee for the evening and the great music of Rompa Raja kept everyone in the festive mood.
Out of nine booths at the fair four entered drinks to be judged for the best carnaval inspired drink and there were three entries for best carnaval inspired dish. All had great entries but judges Felix Ayuso and outgoing Miss Carnaval, Sofia Muñoz had a difficult task of choosing a winner, at the end of the night the San Pedro Junior College’s dish – Rainbow Rice with Spicy Chicken took the award of Best Carnaval Inspired Dish and Caliente’s drink – Carnaval Crush won the Best Carnaval Inspired Drink. The Best Carnaval Inspired Booth went out to the San Pedro Lions Club who decorated their booth with bright yellow and purple colors and sold Mardi Gras (carnaval) beads, masks and much more!!
During the night the Miss Carnaval contestants, Miss Daisy Menjivar and Miss Vicky Balam were busy collecting funds for the coveted prize of becoming the New Miss Carnaval. At the end of the night with a total of 102,613 votes Miss Vicky Balam stole the hearts of those present and was crowned the new Miss Carnaval Queen.
Miss Carnaval received:
$400 Cash, Concert Ticket to DJ Flex courtesy of Giovanni Marin, Photo Enlargement from Jose Luis Zapata Photography, Cellular Phone from C’s Phones, Personalized Pendant from Gecko Graphics, Roundtrip ticket to Chetumal from San Pedro Belize Express, All Day Lamanai Tour for two courtesy of Suya Tours, 24 hr. Golf Cart Rental from Island Adventures, Complete Make-Over from Carlos & Cuts, Manicure & Pedicure from Styland, Gift from MoonDancer, Lunch for Two at Lily’s Restaurant, Dinner for Two at El Patio Restaurant, Roundtrip Ticket courtesy of Tropic Air.
The colorful and rich culture of Carnaval in San Pedro commenced on Sunday, February 14, with the traditional street painting and dancing. Only one comparsa hit the streets on day one – Miss Flora’s Group, with a Valentine themed dance, cupid and all! The second day, more painting and Miss Flora’s Group had their Hawaiian themed dance in full swing! Drawing a large crowd of followers were once again the men dressed in drag with music from Rompe Raja Group. The only school with a comparsa this year as that of Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) who did an excellent job in bringing out the fun in Carnaval. Great job guys!
The final day of Carnaval was one of the best with hundreds taking to the streets to paint, splashing a rainbow of colors amongst all those participating in the fun. The street comparsas did not fail to impress the spectators once again. Winners of the comparsas were:
Adult Division:
*1st Place – Mrs. Flora’s Group
*2nd Place – Rompe Raja Group
Junior Division:
1st Place: Ambergris Caye Elementary School
And so another year of carnval has come to an end. “Alegria en el Corazon – que viva nuestra tradicion”…Que Viva el Carnaval!!!
The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.
Click on image to visit Carnaval Gallery at Ambergris Today Online
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