There is no better walk than an unscheduled one that impacts us, is out of the ordinary and makes us connect with our inner child.
It seemed to be a normal walk near the promenade that I like so much, a short walk with no greater purpose than to enjoy the sun, the water and a bit of art. And when I was about to take the way back I found that the main street, the biggest and most central avenue of the city, was full of children.
It was all about practice and preparations for the carnival parade, in this case the children's parade, which was to take place later. I was right there, suddenly finding myself in the middle of the people setting up the scenery, costumes and decorations. I didn't want to miss it.
Everything takes me back to a memory, as if I were more than 1000 years old and had lived through many things, and in this case it took me to remember when I was 17 years old and in secondary school, and the whole group of my classmates had to put on a play. I don't like acting or being in front of a stage, but I do like to organise everything behind the scenes.
And at that moment I felt I was in the middle of those practices of dances, steps, how to carry the floats, music and instrument tests and much more.
I took the opportunity to walk between the different presentations, to be in the middle of them, as far as possible, and when it was a giant, to see it up close and also among the vegetation.
As it was the practice and preparations for the children's parade, parents and relatives were present, so there were many adults taking pictures of their children. I liked the family atmosphere, the joyful atmosphere with lots of colour, singing, music and lots of laughter.
I was there in the middle of it all, walking among the decorations and the giants, I felt and transformed myself into a photographer covering an event, as if I were someone from the press who was there to document it all. Everyone else was in costume and I dressed up as a photographer.
I was fascinated to see so much colour, costumes, and people here and there setting up the sound equipment and making sure everything was working properly. I also saw a lot of photographers, like me. I really got into character.
My walk continued on one side on the paths next to the giants, seeing them behind the plants, but I also mingled between the sets and the people. I came to a large group of people dressed up in costumes from the film the mask, all children, but there were also teenagers, I loved watching them practice and dance.
There were groups of clowns doing their choreographies and I continued on my way to find more costumes.
Many were posing, while waiting for the parade time, so that people and family members could take pictures of them.
I came across this giant smiling at me.
Then I moved a little further away to get a different view and I could see other giants with lots of colours. It was not far away, maybe a few metres.
In between them there were also beautiful floats that were led by children or teenagers and they were preparing their place.
This one I found beautiful, flowers and eyes, it was just right for me. The person directing them is under each giant and I could hardly see them, plus people around them who were preparing a show.
It was a time when, as I say, family and friends were taking pictures of their children, but also of other costumes. Everyone was doing the same as me, walking around and taking pictures.
Among the participants themselves they were arranging their costumes and practising what to do. I guess it must have taken a lot of time practicing dances and choreographies beforehand to synchronise so many people.
The floats I saw on my walk were very colourful, bright and feathery. There was a lot of variety and it was all in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
I was thinking at that moment about the preparation and making of the costumes, a great art and one that also takes a lot of time and dedication. There were very elaborate costumes.
Just look at these girls, they are pianos.
Here, almost at the end of the walk, there were some little soldiers.
And in this other shot someone looked at me as if to say... will you come to the parade in a few hours?
What do you think? Did I go later or not?
This long walk all along the main avenue was over and this woman disguised as a photographer had done her job and of course had enjoyed a beautiful walk.
Thank you all for joining me today, I send you a big hello. See you next time.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.