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Lions Club comparsa
"Cubanitos"
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As expected, the tradition continued as
hundreds enjoyed one of the island's most awaited events - CARNAVAL. By
midday on Sunday, numerous groups of young children emerged from
different corners and side-streets armed with tins of paint and raw eggs.
These hard-core Carnaval lovers had only one thing on their minds: to
conquer the rest of the participants by painting them.
Later in the afternoon the fun took on a more
traditional side with the ever-popular comparsa. Once again members of
the San Pedro Lions Club and friends of the club made sure to participate
in Carnaval. Fidel Castro, (alias Alex Eiley) himself led the group of
"Cubanitos" through the main streets of San Pedro. The
group danced
door-to-door, non-stop for over three hours. To spice up the comparsa,
the Lions also incorporated the always comic "Bombas".
Shortly after sunset the San Pedro Dance Company
flooded the main streets of San Pedro as they officially opened Carnaval
2000 with a grand parade. For a moment people thought they were
experiencing Rio de Janeiro Carnaval since the dancers were dressed in
their newest and finest costumes to suit the festivities. From the Junior
group to the Seniors, the members danced to live music stopping at
Central Park where they continued to perform for the hundreds of
spectators. Their presentations kept the crowd asking for more, so the
ever- willing members of the Dance Company improvised and made an extra
presentation.
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Some of the many painted
faces
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The second day of Carnaval brought with it more
activity as many more participated. Sunday's small groups of painters now
volumed to twice their size. The Lions Club comparsa, depicting the
"Rancheritos" led by Pancho Villa, also grew in number. The final day of
Carnaval was everything it was hoped to be. Massive amounts of children
and adults took control of the streets of San Pedro in celebration of
"Fat Tuesday" or "Mardi Gras" as they say in New Orleans. The Lions Club
ended with a grand finale- presenting to the public the traditional
comparsa, "El Torito".
All Carnaval lovers then congregated at
Central Park where a Painter's Parade was held. The San Pedro Town
Council then awarded prizes for the participants. The San Pedro Lions
Group Comparsa was awarded the overall prize for their participation in
the three-day festivities. This makes the second year that the Lions Club
was awarded this prize. Hundreds enjoyed Carnaval in San Pedro-a
tradition that keeps our culture alive and unique.
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