Even with some skepticism about how the new rules for Carnaval would affect the celebrations, everything went underway with a very good start and no major problems as the painting revelers hit the streets on Sunday, February 10, 2013.
The painting started late in the afternoon and the restriction to playing Carnaval only on Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street) and the beach did not seem to dampen the spirits of those who love the age-old tradition of San Pedro Town. The San Pedro Town Council made some new rules to ensure the safety of those who participate in the celebrations and to reduce the amount of vandalism that takes place from the throwing of paint and eggs.
Toddler allows herself to be painted by a local girl enjoying Carnaval
The new rules asked for only children to pain on the first day of Carnaval but adults eager to join in the fun could not help but start painting. There were plenty of police and traffic warden patrols to ensure everybody was keeping with the rules. Three comparsas (dance groups) also hit the streets of downtown San Pedro around 4p.m. and livened the celebrations with live music, colorful costumes and happy Carnaval songs.
This year, the San Pedro Town Council and the House of Culture initiated Carnaval with a great block party and masquerade-style show at Central Park on Saturday, February 9, that included traditional song and dance mixed with modern Mardi Gras celebrations. Here are highlights of the Block Party Show and Day One of San Pedro Carnaval 2013:
Shelly Huber sings and dances her heart out in one of the Street Comparsas
Tula Ayuso enjoys being part of the San Pedro AIDS Commission Street Comparsa
Children enjoying painting each other on the streets
Colorful costumes at one of the Street Comparsas
Carnaval Block Party and Opening Show
