Elio: the show man

Elio Rodríguez Miralles is an essential character in the Santiago carnival, known as the Chariot Man because he makes an iron framework and then decorates it using his great imagination and originality. Each year he amazes with a new and refined work, in line with the dedication is celebrated.

He was born on September 7, 1966 in the city of Santiago de Cuba, and from an early age he showed interest in the arts. Among his studies are the visual arts, photography, props, makeup, hair and artistic direction. He was fortunate to receive the teachings and experiences of Jose de Jesus Limia Castillo (Pepin), a Santiago prominent artist with whom he worked in the Tropicana Santiago since 1991.

Miralles is one of thousands of Santiago people waiting for the seventh month of the year to show his countrymen the scope of his creativity and for eight years he has been winning the first place in the Máscaras a Pie contest, held in Carnival festivities. Therefore, the Department of Culture decided to give the management of Chariot Men, which he has won the first places since 2004 to the present. Some of them are the Best Costume Award for eleven years, since 2004; Prize Carnival Museum (2007-2011-2014); Best set of banners (2010); Award for best musical edition (2013 -2014); First place(2009-2011) and four-time the Grand Prix Santiago Apostle.

He is member of UNEAC and has a permanent exhibition at the Museum of Carnival. Today, Elio Miralles is the designer, artistic and managing director of the Baile Fusión XY Company, presented in the Casa Granda and Santiago Meliá hotels.