Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class John Owen | NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Sep. 30, 2022) Evarista Irby represents Naval Station...... read more read more
The week of festivities in honor of Rota’s patron saint and honorary mayoress, Virgen del Rosario, was quickly approaching. After months of preparations, the young women serving as Damas del Rosario, or ladies of her court, were anxious in anticipation of the first of the major events.
Among them is Evarista Irby, the Dama del Rosario selected to represent the American community of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota.
“It’s so hard to believe that the weekend is finally here,” Irby said in an interview beforehand. “For months, I’ve been hearing ‘when the week comes’ or ‘in the future on the day of the coronation’ but now it’s happening! This is what we’ve been working towards for a long time, so I can’t wait to see the final events.”
The first major event of the festivities was the coronation ceremony held on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. The Damas were escorted through the streets and introduced to the Rota community at a ceremony in front of the Castillo de Luna in downtown Rota. During the ceremony, the Dama Mayor, or main lady, is also announced.
“There was definitely a lot of anticipation leading up to this week,” Irby said. “If I’m being honest, I thought it would be a lot scarier than it was.”
Irby described the week leading up as extremely busy with final dress fittings, makeup tests, and rehearsals; this in addition to her daily demands as a senior at David Glasgow Farragut (DGF) High School.
Irby was happy despite her nervousness, the coronation ceremony went off smoothly and it helped that she had with her fellow Damas by her side. While the coronation was the public event, the following night was a gala with the Damas, their families, distinguished guests, and city officials.
“I’m most looking forward to the dinner,” she said. “We all get to wear a dress we chose and get to celebrate with everybody after the coronation is over.”
The following week was also busy for the Damas as they participated in several civic events before Friday’s solemn religious procession behind the Virgen del Rosario float.
“My favorite part of the events was definitely the cabalgata, or parade,” said Irby. “Seeing kids and families wave and get so excited made me realize how special it is to be a Dama.”
Being the American Dama within a overseas community that she has grown up within for over 12 years made the process even more special to Irby. She was able to represent her American community while creating a bridge with the local Spanish community.
It wasn’t always easy, however, and Irby said being a Dama has tested her abilities, both in tangible and intangible skills. Irby described some of growth she experienced throughout her time as sociability, responsibility, and time management in addition to strengthening her Spanish language fluency.
“Having to speak broken Spanish every day to native speakers for sure makes you learn to use your resources and how to ask for help when you’re embarrassed or scared,” she said.
Irby has taken it in stride and embraced her role as being the ambassador between the two cultures. She has enjoyed helping her fellow Damas learn more about American culture and life, and the Damas gaining a greater understanding of her culture and background. During a tour of the base, Irby and AP Spanish students led the Damas on a tour of the Rota DGF Middle/High School.
“Taking the Damas to the high school was probably the most fun and exciting event I got to do with the Damas,” said Irby. “When we go on trips in Rota, it's easy to feel like an outsider but bringing them on base, I was truly in my element. Having my friends and teachers as a support system was so great, and definitely confidence boosting.”
According to Irby, the tour “mixed her two worlds” because it not only highlighted the American community in Rota to the Spanish Damas, but also allowed her fellow DGF Middle/High School students have a chance to interact with locals.
Cultural differences were brought to the forefront during the tour in everyday items. The Damas were excited about seeing lockers, a cafeteria, and rolling chairs which are seemingly routine to the American students. Irby said the Damas kept joking that they felt they were in the High School Musical movie!
The Damas were also treated a few weeks later to a traditional American high school experience, the homecoming football game for the DGF Admirals. The Damas got to experience American football, cheerleaders, band, and American snacks while cheering on the Admirals; something that the Damas had seen on television but finally got to experience firsthand here in southern Spain.
Now that the majority of the Damas festivities have taken place, Irby’s focus has returned to her post-graduation plans. She plans attend university in the United States majoring in a field related to the entertainment industry.
Irby feels that the growth she experienced during her time as the American Dama will help her in this next stage of life. In particular, she feels that she’s become more confident and sure of herself.
“I think this opportunity has prepared me for life after high school because it taught me how to deal with time management and to adapt quickly in new and unfamiliar spaces,” she said.
Irby only has a few additional events remaining including the Three King parade and carnival before the role is turned over to a new American Dama. As the call is put out for the new Dama, she encourages juniors to consider this unique experience.
“When you try out to be a Dama, remember that you represent a group of people, not just yourself,” she said.
Irby has embodied this sentiment by highlighting the openness, friendliness, and genuineness for which Americans are known, and helping the local communities gain a greater understanding of the Americans who live within the local communities.
Irby emphasizes that the next Dama should consider "being unique and true to yourself" because it's key to standing out and being a great candidate for Dama.
Irby undoubtly stood out - not just for being the American Dama amongst the group - but for trying to bridge two communities that were instrumental in developing her into the person she is today.
| Date Taken: | 11.03.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.03.2022 10:01 |
| Story ID: | 432556 |
| Location: | ES |
| Web Views: | 123 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Making of an American Dama, Part 3: The Big Event, by Courtney Pollock, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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