 |
| -The sexy participants of Salsa Caliente performed with a "Bang"!
|
Move aside Rio
de Janeiro and make way for "El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro." This popular
celebration is a tradition of fun and a signature event for this community.
Carnaval 2001 introduced one of the largest and most colorful parades ever seen
on this island bringing this celebration to new heights. Literally hundreds of
spectators from all areas of the island came out to witness this spectacular
sight that involved a wide variety of participants.
 |
| ABC Pre-school "reaching for the sky"
|
| |
 |
| Salsa Caliente shake "La Pollera Colorada"
|
| |
 |
| Painting is a fun tradition at Carnival
|
| |
 |
| Miss Carnival 2001 Sofia Guerra, Grand Marshal of the parade
|
| |
 |
| High School Students also join in the street comparsas
|
Leading the parade was Miss
Carnival 2001, Sofia Guerra who was also the Grand Marshal for the event.
Fourteen dynamic Carnival Bands (parade groups) made up the almost
three-block-long parade. Glitters, color and pizzazz were the order of the day
and the vibrant masqueraders certainly had all that and more. As the group made
their way through the main streets of San Pedro they ignited the town with their
positive energy bringing never-ending smiles to a most receptive audience lining
the streets to view the parade. The participants then
gathered at Central Park where the fun continued as individual bands made stage
presentations and vied for the grand prize of $1000. Prizes for the competition
were divided into two age groups; Junior and Senior. Having seen the groups
endure a 2 ‡ hour parade it was questioned whether the participants would have
any energy remaining after dancing through the streets of the town. But for
these groups it was all about the fun and entertainment. All stage presentations
were worthy of prizes but unfortunately in competitions of this kind only one
can win. The task of making the final decision lay in the capable hands of three
individuals who have had extensive knowledge in this area of judging, Jenny
Woods, Mervin Bennett and Eloim Ellis. In the Junior category the judges voted
ABC Pre-School as the top band in this division and Isla Bonita Elementary as
the second prize winner. In the Senior category the San Pedro Dance Company won
first prize and the popular Salsa Caliente (Recycled Teenagers) the second
prize. Salsa Caliente was especially entertaining and showed the true spirit of
carnaval with their participation. Mention must be made
of the mastermind behind all this planning, Mrs. Lily Nuñez. Lily worked
tirelessly to make sure that all proper measures were taken to ensure a
successful carnival. Working with her committee and the San Pedro Town Council,
Lily managed to organize the carnival fair and popularity contest, the grand
parade, dance shows and the grand finale on Tuesday. Congratulations Lily, your
work was both admirable and appreciated, and carnival a huge success.
The residents of San Pedro continue to revive a tradition
of fun by celebrating carnival. On Sunday, the children and youth of the island
enjoyed painting each other, as is customary. The San Pedro Lions Club once
again came out with their amusing comparsas (street dancing), this year
depicting the Chinese community on Sunday, Pirates on Monday, saving the best
for last. On Tuesday, the San Pedro Lions Club depicted "Cero en Conducta" (La
escuelita de Jorge), a hilarious Mexican sitcom showcasing a group of
mischievous students. The Garifuna community also made their presence for
carnival, joining the parade and the street comparasas, as did a small group of
San Pedro High School students and the ever-popular "Barbies." A dance
presentation by the local dance groups at Central Park also brought out a
large crowd to enjoy the talent of these young entertainers.
On Fat Tuesday, San Pedro bid farewell to carnival with a
painted participants parade and an awards ceremony. The San Pedro Lions Club was
voted the overall winner of the comparsas for their three-day participation
while second place went to the the San Pedro High School student comparsa.
"Que Viva el Carnaval de San Pedro!" Long live the
Carnival of San Pedro and the people who work tirelessly to keep this tradition
alive.
| |
 |
| First Prize Winners, The San Pedro Dance Company add pizzazz to the Carnival parade
|
| |
 |
| Salsa Caliente performs to "La Vida es un Carnaval".
|
| |
 |
| Lions Club took first place as best comparsa
|
|
