In its tenth edition, the already traditional Carnavalito party, which takes place in the Leon Centerwelcomed around 250 cultists of this popular festival.
The exponents of the tradition in Santiago They shared an afternoon full of fun and a sense of belonging with hundreds of families.
In addition, for the fifth year, it gave rise to the Children’s and youth costume contest of traditional characters of the carnival of Santiagowhich received more than 20 participants.
Comparsas from different towns in Santiago participated with their traditional and colorful carnival costumes.
The public enjoyed complementary activities in the gardens, such as face painting, express mask making workshops and a bazaar with carnival products.
As special guests, a delegation of carnival fans from the city of Salcedo was received. Characters from the Hermanas Mirabal province were present, such as Los Toros and Los Mascaraos.
The family initiative was celebrated on Saturday, February 25 in the gardens of the institution.
The sponsors were Malta Morena, Baldom, Café Santo Domingo, Rica and also Ocean Word and Grupo Bocel.
Children’s and youth contest
This contest gives the contestants the opportunity to investigate and learn more about the traditional characters of the Dominican carnival.
The purpose is to stimulate among children and young people the cultural and identity value of the carnival party, as well as the enjoyment of it.
The jury was headed by the prominent folklorist and King of Carnival Rafael Almánzar.
It was also integrated by María Luisa Asilis, executive manager of the León Center; Mario Núñez Muñoz, marketing and communications manager; and Wilfredo Padrón, coordinator of Cultural Projects.
The awarded contestants responded to the representation and characterization of traditional characters of the Santiago carnival such as: traditional Piglets, Marchantas and Los Indios.
About the Carnival
Every February, the Centro León prepares a colorful and joyful afternoon for the enjoyment of the youngest members of the family.
This is what it is all about: a celebration in which various characters and children’s carnival groups participate.
Between 2004 and 2011, the León Center carried out the Carnival evenings. These promoted the meeting of families with carnival groups from different provinces of the Cibao region.
Starting in 2013, the February meeting was called little carnivalwhich maintains the family essence and highlights the participation of carnival groups made up of children.
In this way, both contribute to the strengthening of Dominican identities. Among them, popular creativity, permanent lines of work of the cultural institution, which are developed through different programs and activities.
