Carnaval in Costa Rica

Odler · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-02, 02:48 AM

Teen-age pregnancy is at first glance a problem in Limon, the city of

Costa Rica where the Black population lives. Young mothers at every

corner carry their progeny. Some nursing them right on the

sidewalk.

Surely, the capital of Black Costa Rica has a living standard

different from San Jose. It is like in a different country.

The people look special. Most bear a mixture of Indian and African

features. Same as in parts of Guyana, Trinidad. Same as in Bahia. The

majority wear more Wal Mart than Sacks, but invariably in sexy

overtone.

I did not ask questions about life expectancy or average education,

it was not time for it. It was carnaval time.

One hundred and sixty two kilometers away from the San Jose, at the

other end of a perfect cross-country road winding through nature, the

carnival took place. It is still taking place.

Floats, musics, bands, the usual parade. After the parade, the party

enters higher gear at the amusement park located at the terminus.

Carnaval in Limon lasts three days: Friday through Sunday, early

afternoon to wee hours of the morning...

Color, beauty, sound, music and sex make up the moment, a moment

awaited all year by a high-energy population joined by guests from

all over Costa Rica.

All in all, carnavaling in Limon is fun, relaxing, but the event has

yet to grow beyond the boundaries of a local revelry. Enjoyable, not

unforgettable.

See you there next year, maybe.

(The Traveller, Sunday, October 13, 2002)