The elaborate floats lined up along the Cinta Costera, a long, narrow, public park along the water’s edge. The area is popular for family activities, biking and walking exercises, or just enjoying the views.
This parade featured many of the elaborate floats from the Carnival, each one representing a particular place or area. Each Queen perched high surrounded by statues, feather arcs, and other decorations. On the lower edges of each float stood/danced bejeweled young women and some children, dressed in fancy costumes.
The parade started in late afternoon and lasted into the night. some delay was caused by a foot bridge that crossed the parade route, a road that runs along the Cinta Costera. Many floats had decorations far too tall to fit under that bridge. Workmen hurriedly scrambled up on precariously placed ladders to remove the tallest pieces, then to replace them once past the bridge.
Behind each float was a band, some marched on foot, others rode on trucks. Other people carried large flags, waving them in intricate patterns. A young woman was twirling fire batons. A full moon shone over the proceedings.
The day and evening were very warm. People lounged under trees or sought out any shade they could find, many wore hats. Ice cream, bottles of water, and other goodies sold well. The vendors looked happy.
People were friendly. We talked to several people we had not met before and also exchanged greetings with friends and acquaintances.
Everyone enjoyed the event, but I suspect those riding on the floats would be very happy it end. Finally, they could STOP smiling and waving for all those people and cameras.
