Hello Nighthawks! As the school year begins its early stages, the school activities and events follow! Particularly, the Homecoming dance. In the past we’ve had pretty straightforward themes such as Midnights or New York City, however this year's theme is…a bit more complex: Carnaval. And no, this is not the same as a carnival with clowns and balloons and a romantic ferris wheel. Carnaval is a yearly cultural event celebrated across the globe in Latin countries as well as in America with the version of Mardi Gras.
“So…what is it?”
Carnaval is a huge event that includes parades with colorful,detailed floats,dances, foods, and in some cultures, individuals impersonating vejigantes—traditional folklore characters wearing brightly colored horned masks and bat-wing costumes. Each country has its own personal traditions and focuses, as its origin does not stem from only one place or culture. However, the purpose remains the same: it marks the end of winter and wards off evil spirits. In addition to this, more religious purposes include a time of excess and indulgence before lent, a Catholic time of fasting, prayer, and penance before celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection (Easter).
“When does it happen?”
Typically, Carnaval takes place in February or early March, usually beginning the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ending during the middle of the day on Ash Wednesday. As it’s our Homecoming theme, it kind of has an opposite effect to marking the end of seasons. Instead of marking the end of winter and start of spring, it's actually marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn!
“Why would the school choose this theme?”
Rather than exploring or judging why Northfield would choose a theme with religious ties, it’s important to zoom out and look at the celebration and cultural meaning rather than the actual ancient meanings itself. Carnaval is a time for Spanish and Latin countries to celebrate their culture and heritage with colors, sparkles, and traditional dances and food. Given that our homecoming dance takes place in the middle of Hispanic Heritage month, I would argue that this is a perfect theme. It can be interpreted as Northfield making an effort to celebrate this month with more than just flags in the hallways or a pep rally people try with all their might to skip. In addition to this, Northfield can make it their own, creating a time of dancing, friendship, excessive outfits, and unity before the school year kicks into high gear and everyone is too focused on schoolwork to make elaborate plans.
“Should I dress accordingly?”
My most important “advice” for anyone wondering this question is do whatever you want! If you want to dress like a vejigante with horns and batwings, go for it! If you bought your perfect dress 2 months ago and it's not “Carnaval”, wear it anyway! The most important part of this theme is to enjoy being you and spending time with those around you, not how much your outfit matches the theme of this celebration.