Thursday, December 31, 2009

Bonaire’s Traditional Maskarada will be Held on New Year’s Day

Each year there’s an Antillean cultural tradition to have the group known as Maskarada (Masquerade) make a presentation to begin the new year off in the right manner, and this will occur tomorrow, January 1st, 2010.

Normally, the event is held at the home of Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, but this year it will be held at Santa Barbara Crowns Court #14 in Sabadeco.  This year’s Maskarada will take place from 10:00 AM for one hour.  After the presentation with the Lt. Governor, the mysterious group will entertain the folks at the Kas di Sosiegu, and then continue on in the neighborhoods of Amboina, Nort’i Saliña, and other barrios.  As custom holds, a visit by the Maskarada promises good luck in the new year.  The persons behind the masks cannot speak or reveal their identities in public.  They will perform the traditional dances to the accompanying music, while cheerfully wishing everyone “Bon Aña” (Happy New Year).  These will be the only words they will speak in public.

All are invited to join in the new year’s opening festivities. (Source:  Island Government)