History
Most of us are familiar with the concept of carnivals but not very much with its origins. The tradition of carnival traces its lineage from ancient Rome through medieval Europe. The ancient Romans had festivals throughout the year that served as a period in which people celebrated in a communal fashion by surpassing normally acceptable behavior. The most popular was at Saturnalia, the celebration of winter solstice, where the normal rules of society were reversed. The Church understood how important the Saturnalia tradition was and decided instead to incorporate it into Christian ritual. Saturnalia was transformed by the Catholic Church into a celebration of wild festivity before the period of Lent. As the new world was colonized, Carnival celebrations were brought to Latin America where the European tradition encountered the cultural influences of African slaves (Felner).
Saturnalia Parade in Chester, England 2010
The carnival tradition continued in various parts of the conquered world. Many developed into extravagant celebrations known worldwide; Others, not so popular, but nonetheless still inspiring.
Masquerade at the Carnival of Venice
Carnival of San Miguel
Origins
Originated in 1959, when Felix Charlaix was named governor of San Miguel. Charlaix had traveled abroad extensively to places where carnivals were common. It was from his experiences where he had the idea of bringing the carnival tradition to his homeland. Chairlaix's intention behind the carnival was to have a place in which people from all social classes could partake in and hold the festivities outside so that everyone who wanted to dance could do so (Carnival).
Traditional dancers at El Carnaval de San Miguel
Xuc
It is accustomed that the carnival opens and closes with the same song made specifically for the carnival. It has been done since 1961 and the reason why it remains a tradition to this very day is because of its famous lyrics that express the openness of the carnival to everyone. Additionally, a new type of dance, Xuc, was created to accompany this song. Below is an example of such.
El Carnaval de San Miguel traditional song and dance
The Carnival of San Miguel has exceeded the borders, and is considered as one of the most important carnivals in Latin America. Some might even say that it currently occupies second place in recognition. Second to the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil (El Salvador Destinos).
More than four decades later, the Carnival of San Miguel has surpassed all the original expectations. Year by year, thousands of individuals visit San Miguel, with the purpose of enjoying the festivities including myself.
Sources:
"Carnaval De San Miguel - Edición
2012." Carnaval De San Miguel. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.
"Carnival." Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.
"El Salvador Destinos - San
Miguel." El Salvador Destinos - San Miguel. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb.
2013.
Felner, Mira, and Claudia Orenstein. The
World of Theatre: Tradition and Innovation. Boston: Pearson/Allyn &
Bacon, 2006. Print.
Folklore Salvadoreño.CARNAVAL DE SAN
MIGUEL. BALLET FOLKLORICO NACIONAL EL SALVADOR. Youtube.com, 2009.
Saturnalia Parade, Chester 2010. YouTube. YouTube, 03 Aug.
2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.
