Next February, close to the city’s birthday, Adiel Morales Rodríguez and Denia Rodríguez León will celebrate 19 years of artistic life. Surely these names don’t tell you much, but if I say Cebollita and Florecita, then you will know that I am talking about those nice characters, so loved by children, whom we want to honor for International Clown Day from the Historian’s Office.

When their characters were born, in the Open Heart project, of the Provincial Music Center, they did not imagine that they would go so far, but constant self-preparation and their 4 children were the inspiration and the sap to enrich their dialogues and shows, which are always renewed; They offer children and parents laughter and joy for the city, life and heritage.

Cebollita

Along with his stage name is crying, a large nose with glasses allows him exaggerated tears, like an onion makes people cry, but with laughter.

By catching up with the children, always offering good teaching between games and jokes, this actor shows us talent and creativity. He assures that his profession is more than a suit and seriously offers an irrefutable example.

“Dressing as a surgeon, pilot or firefighter does not make you one of them, so wearing colors and with a red nose is not all.” You have to live the state of clown, which is like being drunk and doing a performance that dignifies that difficult work, because under any circumstance his character must please.

He insists on daily preparation because that is respect for the public and consolidates his work, plays and enjoys each stage without any fear and although at times someone would use the term clown as derogatory or think he is crazy, due to his marked expressions, he assures that nothing of that diminishes his love for children, who are his star audience.

Very popular

Undoubtedly, Denia and Adiel are not only popular with their followers, their neighbors also adore them and I was able to appreciate that at home, while we tried to talk to write this chronicle, which was interrupted many times for different reasons, which shows human quality that feeds its characters.

Florecita

She is a doll and not a clown as some think, calmer and sweeter, as we see her in the scene, she is the counterpart of the mischievous Cebollita. She once dreamed of being a dancer, but her knees did not allow her to continue in that field, that is why she dances with her heart.

Love for the City of the Waterpots is an emotion that marks her performances, they have had job offers in the capital, but they adore their city and audience; they agree to stay to receive the greeting when passing through a street of their hometown or to wait in the shade of an old square.

For this reason, during this time of pandemic without going on stage, they have prepared a series of public good messages entitled: “Don’t do that, Cebollita”, which is aimed at children and guides them on taking care of the city.

Two trips abroad moved their sensitivities for children who do not have social protection, as was the case of Haitians after the events of the earthquake. Tears come to his eyes when he remembers those children with so many family losses and those they managed to make smile.

An interruption

Cebollita interrupts us, to support the experiences and moved recalls heartbreaking scenes with some children, who, when they found the camp of the Cuban artistic brigade, had nowhere to go and lived with them the 36 days that the tour lasted, sharing food, clothes, water and above all, affection.

The other trip was to Venezuela, to prepare what today is the Barrio Adentro culture mission, there they also brought their knowledge and shows, to seek the spirituality of the little ones in artistic teaching.

Love and profession

Their relationship unites them in love and profession, the vital formula is respect. Cebollita says that each one defends the work and the ideas of the other, although he spends more time on his audiovisual creations, elaboration of educational brochures and how he likes to sing, he also gives voice and lyrics to many of the themes that make up his presentations.

Regardless of the time, more than two hours have passed, between two aromatic cups of coffee, the stay and the company have been very pleasant, but we must put an end to our meeting.

They offer me their last two educational brochures, in the form of a pastime, with games about the city and about the prevention of COVID-19 and recommend that, if a child seeks the subject, they can come to their house that they have more to give away.

I could see how they have taken advantage of this time, they have several repertoires ready to premiere soon and they are eager to go on stage, these two artists have given a lot with their spirituality to this land, that is why I think is a good choice to honor them from the OHCC and wish them: Happy International Clown Day!

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García