The young Cuban Merlys Greenup Lorente celebrated her 15 years in a unique way in Bayamo, Granma province, with a horse-drawn carriage parade that traveled the streets of the city to the rhythm of a conga.
Dressed in a beautiful quinceañera gown and surrounded by family and friends, Merlys led the procession amid applause and curious glances. The celebration was marked by its traditional and festive touch, although it garnered both praise and criticism on social media.
Merlys expressed her gratitude for the support with a message on Facebook: "I'm the one who turned 15. Thank you very much to those who had such nice comments about me, and to those who didn't, may God bless you. I had an amazing time. Thanks to my brother, I had the party of my dreams. I enjoyed it, and with that, I mean that everything else doesn’t matter to me."
The use of horse-drawn carriages as a traditional means of transportation in Bayamo is a deep-rooted custom. For many girls celebrating their fifteenth birthday, taking a tour of the city accompanied by their close friends, dressed in elegant gowns, with balloons and music, is a special way to celebrate this important milestone in their lives.
Comments on social media, like the one from Marga Gamboa González, highlighted this aspect: "The car is a traditional means of transport in Bayamo [...] showing their joy of reaching that beautiful age."
Lia Oshuncita, another user, nostalgically recalled her own experience: "I am 30 years old and when I turned 15, I was paraded like this in a car full of balloons, and I loved it [...] the most important thing is to enjoy it."
To Bayamo by car
The use of horse-drawn carriages for rides is a tradition that is part of the culture of Bayamo. That is why some residents of the city have encouraged those who criticize it to understand the historical value of this celebration. The theme is even reflected in one of the most famous Cuban songs: "To Bayamo by carriage".
Most of the criticism regarding this unique way of celebrating a quinceañera in Cuba arose from the economic struggles faced by the Cuban people. Many users pointed out that traditions like this are being pushed aside due to the lack of resources in the country.
The reality for many Cuban families is that they cannot afford even a cake for a small birthday party. This contrasts with the joy and vibrancy of Merlys' celebration, which, although it was a very humble caravan of cars, was nonetheless lively and entertaining for conga lovers in Cuba.
Despite the divided opinions, this young woman from Bayamo made the most of her special day, showing that happiness lies in the details and in the affection of those around her.
Frequently asked questions about the celebration of 15 years in Bayamo, Cuba
How did Merlys Greenup Lorente celebrate her 15th birthday in Bayamo?
Merlys Greenup Lorente celebrated her 15th birthday with a parade of horse-drawn carriages that traversed the streets of Bayamo to the lively beat of a conga, accompanied by family and friends.
What is the significance of using horse-drawn carriages in 15th birthday celebrations in Bayamo?
The use of horse-drawn carriages in Bayamo is a tradition that symbolizes a special way to celebrate 15 years, highlighting the historical and emotional value of this traditional means of transport in the local culture.
What criticisms arose regarding the celebration of Merlys' 15th anniversary in Cuba?
Criticism arose primarily due to the economic precariousness that Cuba is experiencing, noting that traditions like these are being displaced by a lack of resources, which contrasts with Merlys' colorful celebration.
How do the 15-year celebrations in Bayamo compare to the collective ones in Cuba's military schools?
While in Bayamo the celebrations maintain a traditional and personal touch, in military schools, the 15-year-old parties are used for ideological purposes, combining the gala with political elements, such as tributes to figures of the regime.
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