San Pedro's Carnaval has begun!El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is back, and for the next two days, the streets of downtown San Pedro will be filled with music, folklore and paint. This year's festivities, which are held to usher in the 40-day Lenten Season, began on Saturday, March 2nd, with its first ever Canaval Parade followed by a block party at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. So far the annual celebration has included one comparsas (dancing groups) presentation and a kids carnival foam party at the Central Park. Held under the theme 'Mejorando la Tradicion,' the event is organized by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC).
The opening parade on Saturday saw Don Juan Carnaval leading the parade, followed by 'El Torito,' a carriage with current Miss San Pedro 2018-2019 Chelsea Mu�oz and other former island beauty ambassadors. The parade also saw a float with the Reinas del Carnaval, the dynamic Carnaval band Titans from Belize City, the presence of various animated movie characters and the non-profit organization Nayobie's Hope for Children.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun===========
Is The Carnaval Comparsa Dying Out?Only one comparsa (street dancing group) graced the streets of downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize on the first day of the island's cultural celebration of Carnaval. Does this signal the start of a dying tradition? Many are afraid that it just might be, as the number of comparsas during the festivitiesl have dropped significantly throughout the years. Only a couple groups are holding on tight to the age-old tradition, not wanting to see it die out completely.
The comparsas are a lot of fun, but they are a lot of work. The group members tire out from dancing up to 5 hours for three consecutive days. All are volunteers who take time off from work to prepare and perform during Carnaval. Their slapstick comedy, vibrant costumes and wacky dancing is what makes the San Pedro Carnaval so unique. In years gone by, street-side spectators and residents on their verandahs were treated up to six or seven comparsas, each raising funds for a particular charity or school project.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos and videos of Carnaval in the Ambergris Today