The San Juan Camagüeyano is one of the most genuine traditions of this land. Within the festivities, one of the most popular attractions are the parades, an activity that has changed its route and format throughout history.
Over the years, more and more children joined the traditional parades, inserting their musical and dance manifestations in the spaces and activities of the elderly.
“The need arose to create a specific space for children, the children’s parade, which allowed us all to organize these initiatives for children and teenagers so that they could have their San Juan expression of floats, congas and troupes,” said Reinaldo Echemendia, director of the Camagüey Folkloric Ballet and one of the greatest connoisseurs of the San Juan traditions.
This is how at the end of the 80s or the beginning of the 90s of the last century the Children’s Parade emerged, always with a format very similar to that of the adults. Even the congas often adopted names that alluded to the most recognized in the province.
“For example, the conga Los Comanditos is one of the most representative of the San Juan for children, or the Farolita, the Retoñitos, among others. All linked to the congas for adults. This year others emerged, such as Tinajoncitos, the San Juan Guaracheros of the Lenin neighborhood, the Guaracheritos and others, so that in the conga format, which is a typical and original expression of Camagüey, it gives us the guarantee of continuity. These representations of neighborhoods and schools, of children and adolescents are a first-class show” – adds Echemendia.
The children of the Arlequín Artistic Ensemble regularly participate in these festivities and on many occasions their talent has been awarded by the jury.
This edition of the children’s ride will not take place on the traditional dates, as the festivities were postponed.
The San Juan Infantil brings together children from the most diverse neighborhoods of the city; it is a party with great participation of schools and student organizations, which shows that age does not matter to express sociocultural identity with singular joy.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
