|
|
|
 |
|
|
Teen Parade
The As the interest for Carnival in Cura?o grew bigger
with every year during the modern era it was clear to
everyone that specially the young generation enjoyed the
carnival celebrations to the max. The teenagers would
simply lighten up every event at which they could be
present with that special vitality typical for their
age.
The teenagers started to complain that they where left
out of the main parades as there were no specific parade
for their age. The children?s parades had an age limit
and the main and farewell parade was targeted mainly to
people twenty and up.
It was noticeable that at ?jump-up?s? (street parades
organized as fundraising activities by carnival groups)
the participants consisted mainly of teenagers. For a
reasonable price the teenagers could purchase a
pre-printed shirt or special costume of the carnival
group and dance their hearts out to the music of their
favorite orchestras and bands.
During the main parades the teenagers could hardly be
held on the sidewalks for they would go wild as the
groups paraded and danced in front of them fuelled by
the contagious sounds and rhythms that filled the air
from the sound systems of D.J.?s and music ensembles.
In the nineties finally it was decided that an extra
parade would be included in the carnival activities
calendar specially targeted to teenagers. Although no
limitations were made for participating groups,
participants to the teen-parade would come mainly from
schools.
For months, under the guidance of their teachers and
volunteering parents, the teenagers would carry out
preparatory work such as; creation and designing of
themes, manufacturing of costumes, road pieces and
floats, organize and carry out fundraising activities
and rehearse special choreographies.
From the first year the teen-parade was held it was
clear to everyone that it had a right of existence and
was here to stay. The teenagers had to work with small
and limited budgets but are thought to emphasize on
creativity rather than costly costumes. For these
youngsters it?s a unique opportunity to enjoy life,
party with their contemporaries, and let out some
energy.
The teen-parade is held on the Friday evening preceding
the main parade. With the years the number of
participants, groups and participating schools grew
steadily. The schools are aware of the need of self
expression and students are thought to be creative,
appreciate their culture and the distinguishing value
Carnival has to unite people.
By Farley Lourens |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
