A Celebration of Culture and Community: The Carnaval de Carnavales in La Oliva 2020

The Carnaval de Carnavales in La Oliva is more than just a festivity; it embodies the spirit of community, cultural diversity, and collective joy. As the mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, and the councilor for Festivities, Omaira Saavedra, articulated during the opening pregón, our carnival would be incomplete without the passionate advocates in cultural centers and local parent associations (AMPA). Their dedication ensures the continuity of this cherished tradition, making it accessible, diverse, and enjoyable for all ages.

The Heartwarming Opening Pregón

This year’s festivities kicked off with a lively and theatrical pregón, presented by former cultural coordinators Gloria Reyes, Marita Santana, Yanet Alemán, and Miky Naranjo, alongside Gema Ibáñez from the AMPA. Their performance showcased a humorous dialogue that contrasted the carnival of yesteryear with the vibrant celebration of today. Audience members were treated to a reflection on how carnival groups have evolved, eliciting laughter and nostalgia.

Back in the day, many children were enrolled in both soccer and carnival activities. Nowadays, it’s often a challenge to coordinate group practices, with many gatherings taking place via WhatsApp at midnight. The playful banter about the carnival’s 2020 theme—professions—captured the audience’s attention. Jokes about modern job titles and how they fare against the more traditional roles highlighted the changing cultural landscape.

The Joyful Parade: A Showcase of Talent

Following the pregón, the stunning parade took over the streets of Corralejo, visibly charged with enthusiasm and creativity. All ten local carnival groups were out in force, from the dynamic Murga Las Sargoriás to the enchanting Comparsa Atlántida and the spirited Grupo Coreográfico Kilmilleisi. Dance schools like Nauzet García’s Dance School and the Galaxy Dance Crew also joined, demonstrating the wide array of talent nurtured in this community.

The event offered significant representation across various forms of art and entertainment. From the rhythm of local bands to the energetic performances by dance troupes, every participant contributed their unique essence to the carnival, creating a celebratory atmosphere that resonated with everyone in attendance.

Candidate Royals Take Center Stage

What carnival would be complete without the pageantry of its royal court? During the festivities, the candidates for the Carnival Queen, both adult and child categories, were introduced to the audience. The adult candidates included Desiree del Carmen Carballo Artiles and Deborah Fonollosa, among others, while the juniors featured names like Nadia Curbelo Rodríguez and Nayely Gómez Suárez. Each participant embodies not just beauty, but also commitment to the local culture, showcasing the vibrant spirit of La Oliva.

A Weekend of Unforgettable Events

This pregón marked the start of a thrilling weekend brimming with events. Notable highlights included the Coronation Gala on the evening of March 6, which featured a special performance from singer Ruth Lorenzo, setting the tone for an extravagant celebration. The subsequent days showcased a robust schedule, including an all-day carnival celebration on March 7, a Children’s Gala, and the much-anticipated Drag Queen Gala on March 9.

The festival also emphasized inclusivity, introducing initiatives like the Punto Violeta, a preventive service for sexual harassment awareness. It’s a commitment to encouraging safe environments for all participants, ensuring that the carnival remains a space of joy and freedom.

Emphasizing Diversity and Participation

The Carnaval de Carnavales promotes a profound message about community identity and participation. The sentiment echoed throughout the pregón—that although times change, the spirit of carnival unites the people of La Oliva. It draws upon the rich tapestry of cultures coexisting in the municipality, reinforcing that everyone has a place in this celebration. The call to action is clear: not only must we revel in this cultural heritage, but we must also actively support the next generation’s participation.

Social Media and Innovation

In line with modern-times, this year’s carnival embraced technology, prominently featuring an Instagram account dedicated to live updates on events: @carnavaldelaoliva, harnessing the power of social media to engage younger audiences. Additionally, the introduction of sign language interpretation at main events highlights the carnival’s commitment to accessibility.

Cultural Outreach Across the Community

Beyond the celebrations in Corralejo, the carnival seeks to reach every corner of La Oliva. The Guagua Carnavalera will traverse local schools, ensuring that students participate in this joyful cultural event. Scheduled parades in schools such as CEIP de Lajares and the schools in Corralejo promote the essential involvement of children and young people in the traditions that bind the community together.

Through events designed for all ages and diverse demographics, the Carnaval de Carnavales in La Oliva stands as a testament to cultural resilience and communal joy. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the festivities promise a blend of rich traditions, entertaining performances, and a warm sense of belonging that defines the heart of this vibrant community.