On Carnival



On Carnival


 I lift my chin to the soft air, slightly humid molecules caressing my skin. Few sounds float to me, and muted ones at that. After the partying from last night, the city is sleeping in–apart from me and a couple of people on the street...and the guy in the window in the building to the right observing the strollers like me. 

Last night it seemed like all of the island was here, on the streets filling up cafes and restaurants–even convenient stores–buying anything they had to offer. Chatting and chortling, glasses clinking, the business of moving and voices, costumes glittering and the joy bursting from being out and celebrating. 

Listening to the main concert were two guys with elaborate teddy costumes. Someone (maybe themselves?) had taken a slew of plush animals and swirled them onto a black robe and top hat...crystals sparkled from the teddy's tummies. A friend of mine had make-shift boots that upon closer look were just some lucid fabric wrapped around his legs as well as a fake sax around his neck. Groups of cheerleaders or Flamenco dancers as well as themed throngs hung out together. 

There was a sea of characters jumping, dancing, or with their hands up to absorb the high energy from the salsa band on stage. My feet forced fast 3s: what fun-infused steps! I followed first the hands and pushes from a dancer I knew and then from a young stranger. The second lead with unhinged hips and a strong, wiry frame. How amazing it was to immerse myself in a dance I hardly knew and to be infused with the joy of people and music!

It seemed like everyone else could mouth or sing all of the lyrics. This was their culture-I grew up singing to very different lyrics. It didn't matter...the feeling was infectious. A girl watching me from across the metal screen "protecting" the camerawoman (it swayed with the crowd) mimicked my moves. I don't know if she was making fun of me because she stopped once she realized I started imitating her imitation of me, but I didn't care. It was all in the nature of the carnival.



Photo: Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/dassel-989431/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=758728">Aline Dassel</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=758728">Pixabay</a>Text: Kristen Mastromarchi

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