In the early 20´s existed in San Antonio de los Baños a rich tradition of carnivals. It said that during this stage were chosen queens with her ladies, by the contests of sympathy divulged by the local newspapers February 24th, Semicolon and New Era.
In these journals were published a bond of sympathy for any of the young ladies. Then, the traders gave different facilities bonds. The Shirt Factory, the Circle of Artisans, the cigar factory La Gloria Cubana, today the Trust or the Chosen, proposed their candidates for the carnival queens.
The Artisans Circle was the site of the elections and was elected Queen of sympathy, which in some cases, became Queen of Carnival.
In our area there are 4 queens of sympathy, also known under the name Circle of Artisans ladies, they were: Esther Fernandez, Aida Alonso, Onelia Lastra and Rosario Rodriguez, the last one queen selected at the end of 1955. These sovereigns had their bridesmaids.
During the Carnival parades were developed and the different societies carnival held three dances: the last was the costumes. These were highly visible and friendly, for example someone once suit of gorilla to scare the people who participated in the revelry.
After the 1959 triumph the dances continued and in the 70´s queens and their bridesmaids were chosen, but with the name of Star and its two stars. At that time girls were selected for their beauty and came from the workplace. The competition for the selection is called Beauty Contest: Star and stars. Wide streets, Marti and Vivanco were the site of the public walks.
