Preparing for carnival is a way of life in Santiago de Cuba

Preparing for carnival is a way of life in Santiago de Cuba
Traditional parties nurture generations of music and dance lovers
Author: Hatzel Vela, Reporter, hvela@Local10.com
Andrea Torres, Local10.com Reporter, atorres@local10.com
Published On: Nov 02 2015 09:07:53 PM EST Updated On: Nov 18 2015
03:26:21 AM EST

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba -
The Carnival of Santiago de Cuba has been turning the second largest
city on the island into a grand party for many generations.

Ernesto Carbonell is 14, and as a dancer, he already feels like he is
apart of the annual celebration, which continues to keep rich Afro-Cuban
culture alive. This year he practiced for about three months.

The April and July parties, about a 15-hour drive east of Havana in the
500-year-old city, are a time for street vendors to make some money. But
Ernesto is there for the fun, although he takes his dancing practices
seriously.

"I want to be a doctor, but I take this as a hobby," he said.

It is no coincidence that The Queen of Bolero Olga Guillot, Emilio
Estefan and Emilio Bacardi were born in this city. There was a time when
the event was a bon vivant's dream. There was a never ending supply of
good rum. And dancing to good music was the priority.

Some historians say the tradition goes back to a midsummer resting
period given to African slaves after the sugar cane harvest. Others say
colonialists brought it to the island with the Roman Catholic
processions of St. James the Apostle.

"It comes from our ancestors and we have been cultivating it and
defending it,: said Zoenilda Nelson, who allows her children to dance in
the carnival. "Since they [the children] are born, they are in the
carnival, in the conga and in the fun."

Today, the government's images of spontaneous sexy dancers and flashy
jesters, aren't attracting tourists. Varadero and Havana remain the
epicenters of the industry. Although there are tours, the party is for
the locals.

The comparsas, Spanish for dancing troupes, practice almost all year
long and perform during a final parade known as the Montompolo or
Montón-Polo.

The comparsas have two different styles: There are the ruling class'
lavish paseos and the congas, which were for the working class.
Choreographer Gabriel Lopez is familiar with both styles. He started
dancing when he was a boy.

"It's awesome. It is a santiaguero's entire life," Lopez said. "It comes
from our ancestors and we have grown it and defended it."

Leonard Gorgas, 20, said the dancers work for a long time and make a lot
of sacrifices. He said he loves his city.

"It's a place where we dance to plenty of Cuban traditional music,"
Gorgas said.
"We make song, salsa, bolero. And our children, our generation will
maintain these roots and this Cubania."

Source: Preparing for carnival is a way of life in Santiago de Cuba |
Cuba Coast to Coast - Home -
http://www.local10.com/news/cuba-coast-to-coast/santiago-de-cuba-prepares-for-islands-largest-carnival-all-year-long/35971594