Carnaval Float Mastermind in Grave Condition

by Maureen Dietrich on 4 Jan 14
mazmessenger.com

Lewis, affectionately known as “El Rigo,” began his second career in 1961 when he made his first float.

Rigoberto Lewis, a Mazatlán dentist who 50 years ago gave up practicing to dedicate himself to creating and constructing parade floats for Mazatlán’s annual Carnaval celebration, is in serious condition having suffered a stroke on New Year’s Day.

Lewis, affectionately known as “El Rigo,” began his second career in 1961 when he made his first float for then Carnaval Queen Lupita Rosete. Since that time, using paper maché and vibrant colours he has dazzled Mazatlecans and tourists with over 54 theme floats and is considered the mastermind behind the designs.

Speaking to the press, Lewis’ niece Ana Isabel Olivera Lewis said her uncle´s health has been fragile for the past year. But no matter what, the family will ensure the parade floats are finished for the 2014 Carnaval beginning February 27^th through March 4^th.

Building the floats was a family affair, she explained, as they all grew up in her uncle’s workshop learning how to mix colours and make paper maché into the fantastic creatures her uncle designed.

The Chariots of 2014 will be ready because the family, like every year, knows the designs, colours and materials needed to complete the construction of the four royal carriages. The detailed sketches are ready and work will not stop, said the designer’s niece.

She went on to reveal that Brazil is the theme for this year’s Queen of Carnaval float. The Queen of Floral Games float is a dream inspired by Venetian palaces. A festival of Cuban music is the theme for The King of Happiness while the French sophistication of New Orleans will surround the Child Queen.

Director of the Instituto de Cultura, Turismo y Arte, Raúl Rico, told reporters the construction of the floats has not formally begun, although some designers are working at home before workshops are set up.

Five designers have been contracted for this year’s Carnaval: Rigoberto Lewis, Jorge González Neri, Graciano Grande, Monofaber and Jorge Osuana.

They are going to wait until they know the state of health of Rigoberto, said Rico, adding he will always have priority and they won’t make a decision without first consulting the artist.

Much of the history around Carnaval has been elaborated on and enriched by Rigoberto, Rico pointed out. He is a legend unto himself and the most important person in the Carnaval after the Carnaval Queen.

 (from Noroeste)