Accomplices of a tradition that emerged in the late nineteenth century, a frenzied crowd wrapped in a magic that defies the suffocating sun, returns to the streets during these days of August in Guantanamo or the warm nights that for many do not end until the sunrise.
Accomplices of a tradition that emerged in the late nineteenth century, a frenzied crowd wrapped in a magic that defies the suffocating sun, returns to the streets during these days of August in Guantanamo or the warm nights that for many do not end until the sunrise.
The city and its people these days looks different, in an unmistakable atmosphere typical of the most expected parties of the year, where the Cuban Son, the native changüí, more modern rhythms such as reggaeton, comparsas, congas, parades merge to show that rich mosaic, a symbol of Cuba and our own cultural identity.
To talk about the carnival is also to mention the history, in spite of its repetitive character every stage is unique and this is attested by those who have dedicated part of their life to study the origins of the carnival that summons people of all ages and visitors to enjoy the party that were celebrated in Guantanamno first in the months of June, July and then August and finally in this last month on the 16th, in honor of the Feast of Saint Joaquin.
As a city located between rivers and during this season of carnival many people along the river banks invoked their deities to then return to the streets and enjoy from the 20s the parades of comparsas as La Carabali, Los Negros Cheverones , Las Negritas de la Simpatía, which continued with the time delighting the public with other names but with the same taste, thanks to the creativity of men like Félix Blanco, Negro Fino, Miguel Alvarez, Carlos Borroneo Planche, Nino Picurnay, Chito Latamblé and others that magnify the Guantanamo culture by their contributions to a deeply- rooted tradition.
In these days there is no time to be bored, people know that they will see La Muerte en Cueros again, Doctor Chiringa, Los Caperos, Los Diablitos, and other popular characters of yesteryear who return to the streets, where also among the sale of groceries or refreshing drinks, people parade, dance, talks and laugh.
Translation: Liubis Balart Martinez