Latin America is a region of the world where the celebration of carnivals occupies an important space in many countries. Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay are world renowned; but in my country, Venezuela, we also have many options that are fun, culturally attractive and, above all, have a decent and respectable attendance. Yesterday (Saturday) was the presentation of the San Diego Tourist Carnivals, in its 2024 edition. My story documents an experience with my daughter at a fun, beautiful event designed for the enjoyment of children.
Photographs often do not do justice to reflect how a bunch of little children laugh, scream (with joy and excitement), play, talk and smile; all under the wonderful scenery of a carnival celebration designed from the governmental planning, to the good judgment of the parents and attendees of this event, with the express intention of making them really happy. And, in a country where things seem (always or almost) to be in a bad way, a bit of relaxation for the family, but especially for the little ones, is something that is very much appreciated; almost like a treasure, I would say.
There we were. My confidant and friend, as well as my daughter and I. Approximately 4 pm, the route, the wind carrying the echoes of the sound of the entertainers on the main stage of the carnivals, fervently encouraging the attendees; invaded the spectrum of the route that joined our paths with the Metropolitan Park of San Diego, the site that served as host for this celebration in honour of the youngest of the house. Not only is it a green and natural lung of my city, but it is also a beautiful, healthy and ecological environment for all of us to have a great time.
My daughter, like me, had never attended this celebration before. Originally, we are from out of town. We haven't lived in San Diego for very long, but in the short time we have been here, we have adapted well and understood why the locals love this little piece of land so much. The organisation, the details and the empathy of having devised the whole celebration, with gigantic inflatables, water jets that imitated a waterfall, assistants everywhere; girls and boys who with a happy face offered to paint the faces of the children who wanted it; it was a real surprise for me. I didn't expect so many details, free of charge and of good quality.
And yes, I know. Although what I write may reflect my inexperience, it is nonetheless an extremely positive assessment of a neatly organised event. Generally, free convocations are accompanied by problems, disorder and many conflicts; on this occasion I must applaud the initiative taken by the authorities, and above all the decency and civility of the people who were there. I don't really know how to explain the right "mood", but the best simile I can think of is to compare it to the attention you would receive in a private amusement park (where you pay) but in a public place and for free...
So, to highlight the intentionality and execution of something, which could have gone quite wrong; but which ended up being a resounding success is something to admire and to take your hat off to, it's only fair. Now, my daughter's experience at the San Diego Tourist Carnivals was second to none. To this day as I write these lines, which is Sunday afternoon (the day after this post) she keeps telling me how great she had a great time, and how "super fun" it was to have gone. I suppose, then, that it is these opinions (those of a child) that make it all worthwhile; that they have fun is everything.... At least for me.
Recognising a place in the world for its beauty should also go hand in hand with how good we feel about visiting it. This is what happened to me and my daughter, and this post describes that feeling... And yes, the photos included, have been taken by me.
