La Vida es un Carnaval
Les Jours Gras
Celia Cruz with a mask, photograph by Leo Matiz, 1965
In 1960, Celia Cruz left Cuba to perform in Mexico and was never able to return. As she had been vocal about her opposition to the Cuban Revolution, she was not allowed re-entry, even to visit her dying mother in 1962. She spent the rest of her life in exile. While most photographs of Cruz show her smiling widely, many of her songs carry a tinge of nostalgia. There is pain just beneath the surface of her joy.
La Vida es un Carnaval (Life is a Carnival) was written by Victor Daniel and recorded by Cruz in 1998. It was very popular when I was in college and I have many happy memories dancing to it. The lyrics are beautiful and uplifting, even while recognizing that life is hard. Anyone who thinks that life is cruel, she sings, will never be alone, because God with them.
When I was in Cuba in January, I asked my friend Pablo - the same friend who explained to me why he didn’t really care about Carnival - what he thought about this song.
Oh that, he said, that one is a hymn.
And I agree. This song is a prayer. A celebration of life in the face of death. For our last devotional of the Carnival season, take the time listen to this song, contemplate the words, feel her pain and joy all mixed together in one sound.
Original lyrics and translation found at Musicmax.com:
Our Carnival Devotional Playlist is now complete. It begins with Wynonna and ends with Celia - taking you on the whole musical journey from Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday.
Happy Mardi Gras, friends! I will miss writing to you every day. Feel free to tell me what you did to celebrate today - or if you are planning on attending an Ash Wednesday ceremony tomorrow.
Did this devotional help you see Epiphany, Carnival or Lent in a different way? Would you want to practice the Carnival Devotional again next year?
Leave a comment or contact me directly below. And if, in June or July, on the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, or sometime during what is otherwise known on the liturgical calendar as “ordinary time”, you come across something that reminds you of Carnival - send it to me. Because I will continue gathering songs and paintings and quotes for next time. All year long, I will prepare for the next Carnival season.
Peace,
Heather
Thank you, Heather, for The Carnival Devotional. Your well written posts, including the artwork and music, were just wonderful. Dennis and I will be going to St. Columba's Chapel tomorrow morning around 7:30 for an early start to Ash Wednesday. I like that the ashes are imposed early in the day to help set me on a good path through Lent.
I've really enjoyed the series, Heather!
The Cathedral of Ponce is less than 50 yards from my hotel. I haven't been able to figure out when they'll be dispensing ashes tomorrow, but if I'm awake and able to move after today's festivities, I'll probably stop by.
As for Lent, I've already cancelled cable. But that's as much about disgust with media conglomerates as it is a matter of devotion...not sure if I'll ever subscribe again, even after Easter.