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Lions Club voted best
comparsa of the 1999 Carnaval
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You have heard of New Orleans' infamous
Mardi Gras or Rio de Janeiro's glittery carnival but you have not seen
anything if you haven't experienced Carnaval - San Pedro style. Forget
the large floats, the doubloons, the beads or the shiny costumes. La Isla
Bonita celebrates this time of the year in its own unique way.
Probably one of the last places in the country of
Belize that celebrates this occasion, San Pedro Carnaval is enjoyed by
children, youth and adults. This fun celebration is observed the three
days leading up to Ash Wednesday (March 5, 6, 7). Many years ago it was
celebrated with choreographed comparsas. A comparsa would consist of a
group of young boys and girls depicting a certain ethnic group or race
and paid tribute to them with a traditional dance. Very popular at that
time were the Cubanitas, El Torito, Estudiantinas and others. All who
know Carnaval recognize the name Severito Guerrero. Mr. Guerrero was the
master-mind behind this celebration especially when it came to the music,
songs and all the preparations of this fun event. The younger children
would find their fun by doing something totally different. They would use
powder or flour to safely paint each other. Some of the bolder children
would even use lipstick to paint.
Unfortunately as the times changed so did the
celebration of Carnaval. The delightful comparsas soon started to
decrease and the painting started to increase. Carnaval slowly evolved
from slapstick fun using powder, flour and lipstick to tease people, to
using water paint, raw eggs and sometimes even enamel paint. This too was
fun and many, including tourists, took part in the celebration.
Last year, once again, we saw the more traditional
Carnaval made up of competing comparsas. One of the most active groups
through the years has been "the Barbies." The Barbies are a group of
local men and sometimes male tourists that dress up in "drag" and dance
throughout the streets of San Pedro. They perform for a small fee and all
funds collected are donated to a charitable cause. Last year was also a
very symbolical one since members and friends of the San Pedro Lions Club
put together "Reencuentro Carnavaleño." The group participated in
comparsas during the three days. Various schools and private groups also
took part. 1999 was really a wonderful time for Carnaval. Already many
groups are prepared to participate this year. Carnaval 2000 promises to
be another memorable event always unique to San Pedro. Have a safe and
enjoyable Carnaval!
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