Day One of Carnaval in San Pedro: Bring Out the Plastic Wrap, the Kids and the Paint

After a day of drizzly cold rain, yesterday was the most gorgeous day on Ambergris Caye.  For the very first day of Carnaval.  Three days of parties and painting leading up to Lent.

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I headed into town early to take a look at the pre-festivities.  Day One there would be music and kids running amock with painting and eggs (ILLEGAL) and fun.

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Some things were being wrapped for protection but not many…

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The New Sensations Band (they are GOOD!) was setting up and the Belizean staple – THE WALL OF SPEAKERS.

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Beautiful…

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Jaguar’s Night Club and the town clock were wrapped in plastic.  Ready for the onslaught.

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I returned at about 4pm to see Carnaval….the comparsas groups…The Hula Dancers.

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Some signs were dangerously newly painted and uncovered!

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Others were quickly tarping their establishments.

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The brand new Town Council (which seems as though it is BEGGING for a few paint handprints) was being guarded by the police.

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The new realty building in town.

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And then in park…the kids!

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I found this super cute picture of the kid THAT GOT ME!  First time ever!  On Instagram.  Look how cute and proud he is.

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The dock where, at the end, the kids all run off.  I wasn’t waiting for the end.  I was already getting smeared with some paint.

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Hard to pose for pictures when someone is always sneaking up on you…

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This girl just got her teeth brushed with paint…time for me to get going!

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These girls were keeping it artsy…I think I wore overalls like this in the 80s.

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As I headed back to the golf cart (carefully parked down south away from all paint), I passed the Hula crew just getting started.

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Today is another day.  The older kids!

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It’s another GEM of a day.

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