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| Lion members depict the "Gorilla
Dance"
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"We travel to
Ambergris Caye specifically to be here for Carnaval," a couple of painted
American tourists told the San Pedro Sun. "Let
the tradition continue" (Y que siga la tradicion) was this year's theme, and the
tradition certainly came alive at the 2002 El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro. Scores
of children, youth and the "young at heart" formed a colorful mosaic on the
streets of the island as they celebrated with much glee "los tres dias de
carnaval," the three days of carnaval.
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| The San Pedro Dance Company showcased some of the most
elaborate costumes
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The celebration
began one day earlier this year, as the carnaval committee headed by Omar Arceo
and Lily Nuñez kick-off the festivities with a grand parade and block party on
Saturday afternoon. It seemed as though Mardi Gras visited the island as both
locals and tourists lined the main streets of San Pedro to witness the parade.
Led by the island's ambassadors, Miss San Pedro Dilcia Trejo, Miss Garifuna Ella
Carr and the reigning Miss Carnaval Sofia Guerra, this bevy of beauties paved
the way for the masqueraders and their "bands". One popular parade group was the
ever-ornate and flashy ABC Pre-School band who were "sizzling hot" as they
portrayed the theme "Putting the spark on education."
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| ABC Pre-school was "sizzling hot" for Carnaval
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| The Recycled Teenagers charmed the audience with their dances
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Another crowd favorite was
the ever-colorful and entertaining dance groups featuring the "Recycled
Teenagers". Also participating were the San Pedro High School marching band and
pom-pom girls, Maestro Reyes School of Knowledge, St. Peter's Elementary,
Barbara's Dance Group, the San Pedro Dance Company, and the San Pedro Roman
Catholic School. Following the parade, a
special show was held at Central Park. Entertainment was provided by the San
Pedro Dance Company and the Recycled Teenagers who stole the show and the
applause of the public. One group of the "Recycled Teenagers" danced to the
popular Shakira song "Whenever Wherever" while the other group opted for a Latin
beat as they perfected their dance moves to the song "Mayonesa".
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| Danielita enjoys Carnaval
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Making a
special appearance during this part of the show were the "dancing duo" Wil
Alamilla Jr. and Manuel Ancona Jr. These two performances combined the icing on
the cake and when the crowd requested an encore, the dancers were happy to
oblige. As the evening went on things only got better as the "block party"
officially began. Like bees on a honeycomb, party-goers swarmed "en masse" to
support this event. Establishments such as Big Daddy's, Barefoot Iguana, the San
Pedro Darts Association, the Recycled Teenagers and San Pedro Lions Club
entertained those who came out to have a good time. Each booth offered some
unique and tasty treat to attract customers. Others, like the San Pedro Lions
Club used the "tantalizing tunes" of the Rompe Raja group and the melodious
merry-making of the Guerrero Brothers (Severo and Ramon) to round up the
crowd.
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| Painting is a big part of
Carnaval
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For three days, bright colors adorned the faces and
bodies of the locals, and an occasional tourist, as they continued the tradition
of painting each other with water-based paint, soot and sometimes lipstick; a
tradition unique to San Pedro. The comparsas (ethnic street dancing) added a
more cultural side to the celebrations. The San Pedro Lions Club proved that the
"carnaval spirit" as well as the "Lions spirit" was abundant as they danced all
three days. Depicting Hawaiians on Sunday, Hippies on Monday and the dance of
the Gorilla on Tuesday, this group walked away with the first prize for the Best
Comparsa. Second prize went to the always entertaining "Barbies". Carnaval enthusiasts enjoyed four days of celebrating
to the "max" ending Tuesday evening with a Painted Persons Parade and "jump-up"
at Central Park. Exhausted but elated they retired to their homes filled with
memories of the great fun they experienced during "El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro
2002."
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| Many joined the Lions during the block party
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| The Lions club depicted "Hawaiians" during one of their
comparsas
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| "Los Barbies" delighted
everyone with their "sense of style"
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| The San Pedro
Lions portrayed "hippies" on the second day of Carnaval
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