|
|
|
     
Danielito Rivero Crowned Miss Carnaval - Lions Club voted best Comparsa
|
|
"Viva Carnaval" indeed. San Pedro which has been known for its outrageous
spirit during carnival, did not deceive its people. Once more San Pedro came
out in full force to celebrate Carnaval on February 14th, 15th and 16th.
To kick-off Carnival 1999, the San Pedro Town Board and the Carnaval
Committee held a Grand Carnaval & Valentine Bazaar on Saturday, February
13th, 1999 at Central Park. Despite the "chilly" weather and Oscar de la
Hoya's boxing match, many people attended the event. One of the favorite
games of the evening was the Tombola and Fish Pond. A wide variety of music
selections by "Lichi's Box" kept the crowd entertained. The highlight of the
bazaar was the choosing of Miss Carnaval '99. Three beautiful participants
vied for this title: Miss Janine Haylock, Miss Carol Maldonado and Miss
Danielita Rivero. The popularity contest allowed the contestants to raise
funds (1¢ per vote) before and throughout the bazaar. Danielita Rivero,
sponsored by Pannell Kerr Forster, proved to be the most popular with a
total of 136,239 votes. Janine Haylock, sponsored by Mata Chica, received
94,941 votes and Carol Maldonado, sponsored by Victoria House, collected
82,099 votes. Each sponsor opened the contest with 30,000 votes towards
their candidate. The new Carnaval '99 queen received a roundtrip ticket to
Corozal courtesy of Tropic Air, dinner for two at two of San Pedro's well
known restaurants and a Victoria Secret Gift Package. The other candidates
also received a gift package and dinner for two at a well known San Pedro
Restaurant. All the proceeds from the bazaar benefited the Ambergris Museum.
The first day of Carnaval saw many children running around town with
confetti filled eggs and/or raw eggs they would burst on their friend's
head. Other groups carried containers of water paint in different colors
identifying their group. Carnaval '99 reunited many Lion members for a
special comparsa. Some of these participants danced in comparsas 30 years
ago. The Lion's comparsa was very successful. The first one depicting the
popular television soap opera "La Usurpadora". The official Carnaval parade
was lead by Area Representative, Hon. Patty Arceo, Mayor Alberto Nuñez and
Deputy Mayor, Eiden Salazar Jr. Newly crowned Miss Carnaval 1999 and her
maiden also took part on the parade. The San Pedro Dance Company made a
special appearance "Broadway style" during the parade. Glitter and gold,
fluorescent plumage and tropical headpieces complemented the dancer's
participation. Cultural participants were the Garifuna Dancers of San Pedro'
s Garifuna Council depicting the John Canoe Dance. The parade culminated at
Central Park where the Carnaval show commenced. The San Pedro Dance Company
took the stage presenting delightful renditions of their well practiced
moves under the choreography of dance teacher Rosita Balthazar.
On Monday, children went back to school (half day only) and some schools
had straight classes to allow the students to participate in Carnaval during
the afternoon. The San Pedro Lion's Club comparsa once again took the
streets of San Pedro, this time depicting "Los Gringos" (tourists). Lydia's
Institute of Fine Education Infant II class also delighted the public with
their comparsa.
Sadly, every good thing or time must come to an end and Carnaval was no
exception. But to top everything the San Pedro Lions Club left the best for
last. "Los Negritos" was their theme and shades of ebony accentuated the
beauty of this race being depicted. The San Pedro Lions gave a good show and
were rewarded by winning first prize for the best comparsa of Carnaval '99.
Taking second place in the senior division was Las Barbies. Lydia's
Institute took top honors in the junior division.
|
|
|
|
Danielito Rivero Crowned Miss Carnaval - Lions Club voted best Comparsa
|
|
Copyright San Pedro Sun. Design by Advantage Information Management
|
