Tuesday, March 19, 2024

‘El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro’ exhibit at San Pedro House of Culture

Share

The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) opened their Carnaval Photography Exhibition on Friday, February 5th. The exhibit is in honour of the traditional ‘El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro (The Great Carnival of San Pedro) which took place from Sunday, February 7th to Tuesday, February 9th. The exhibition depicts pictures of the ‘Good Old Carnaval de San Pedro.’ Unfortunately, due to a cold front blowing and a light rain, attendants enjoyed the showcased costumes and applauded the dances to the typical songs used in the traditional festivity.San Pedro House of Culture Carnaval Exhibit-2
Welcoming the attendees was Director of the House of Culture, Guillermo ‘Mito’ Paz, who was dressed as the popular, wealthy womanizer, Don Juan Carnaval. This character is a major part of the Carnaval and the story goes that he was a libertine who devoted his life to seducing women of all ages, taking great pride in his ability and ways of life.San Pedro House of Culture Carnaval Exhibit-21
Inside the House of Culture, the exhibition presented the whole history of the Carnaval from the Mascaradas, to the comparsas (dancing on the street) to the masquerade parties and Juan Carnaval. “This is a portrayal of this historic tradition that was brought to Belize by our ancestors over a hundred years ago. The Exhibition is designated to give everyone attending that feel of the carnaval in the older days, a tradition that continues to thrive through this modern age. Everyone is invited to come and view this photographic exhibit which indeed will bring back old carnaval memories and get to appreciate the tradition even more,” said Paz.San Pedro House of Culture Carnaval Exhibit-4
Many of the ethnic groups identifying the carnaval were showcased by cheerful participants. They represented the chinitos (Chinese), the inditos (the Indians), the hippies, the cubanitos (Cubans), and las negritas with colourful and well done outfits. The presentation could not be complete without ‘El Torrero’ (Bull fighter), who with a red cape challenged a replica of a bull.San Pedro House of Culture Carnaval Exhibit-23
The exhibition will be on display for the rest of February. Everyone is invited to visit the SPHC and travel back in time through the pictures of this one of a kind photographic display of ‘El Carnaval de San Pedro.’

Located on Angel Coral Street, the SPHC opens Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.

Read more

 

Please help support Local Journalism in Belize

For the first time in the history of the island's community newspaper, The San Pedro Sun is appealing to their thousands of readers to help support the paper during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1991 we have tirelessly provided vital local and national news. Now, more than ever, our community depends on us for trustworthy reporting, but our hard work comes with a cost. We need your support to keep delivering the news you rely on each and every day. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Please support us by making a contribution.

Local News