Carnaval 2000 is here!

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 10, No. 9            March 1, 2000

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Lions Club voted best comparsa of the 1999 Carnaval

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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