Masman ‘Cito’ Valasquez dies

The Barataria masman taught many mas designers the art of wire bending — a skill which many have taken abroad to create mas for the various world carnivals. Valasquez’ most successful Carnival presentation was “Fruits and Flowers” which he produced in 1959 with Carnival King of the Bands 2006, Geraldo Vieira Sr.

They have been friends since then and Valasquez and Vieira engaged in friendly mas rivalry for many years. Vieira was on his way to visit Valasquez at the hospital but did not get to say his final goodbye.