Festival de la luz

The Festival of Hearts and Light

AUTHOR: Marie Kasseroler
PHOTOS: BallenaTales

December 21, 2022.

 

You could hear the festival de la luz even before seeing it.

After two years of silence, drum rolls, xylophones, and trumpet sounds rang through the night.

People from Uvita and surroundings flocked towards the Salon Comunal, not deterred by the approaching rain front. The first thing you could see was a big, colorful, illuminated Xmas tree just where the parade was supposed to halt. On the roadside, the audience gathered patiently under their umbrellas (which they had just bought at the supermarket minutes ago) and waited for the parade to arrive. Many viewers dressed as reindeer or wore Christmas hats to celebrate the day. By now, most were completely soaked, but no one felt disturbed by the pouring rain.

Illuminated Tree - Festival de la luz

Then a nearly endless train of colorful vehicles, dancing and singing human beings, costumes, music, and performances began. A speaker announced every group through his microphone before they performed their act, headed by a lovingly decorated car that should present them. You could not help but admire the artists' preparation and devotion to their imaginative appearance. Every artist wore a traditional or sparkly costume and an elaborate hairstyle. No matter how old or young they were, each danced, sang, or played an instrument, encouraging the audience to join them. Even horse riders and fire breathers did not stay away from the event. And if one's feet got weak during this two-hour event, a Grinch made sure that one was quickly back to dancing.

Music at the Festival de la luz
Drums - Festival de la lauz

Later the spectacle went to the festival hall. A long line of hungry viewers gathered at the food truck to get some pizza or meat skewers. Magically, when everybody was inside, and the party started, the rain stopped, as to jest the public. People had a place to sit while the DJ was heating up his audience. At some point, one felt so drawn to the dance floor that one could no longer remain seated.

After a long night of laughs, music, art, and dances, it was finally time to get home.

This year's festival de la luz will long be remembered, not only for the brave participants dancing under the pouring rain. Uvita Bahía is looking forward to next year when the music will be heard all over the city again.

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