SFGNITES
Hellrotika was Hellish — In a Great Way! SAVE Dade’s Annual Celebration Draws Nearly 1,000 Photos and words by Gideon Grudo
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t 8:30 p.m., the place wasn’t packed, but the line was beginning to flow outside the front doors of the Moore Building in Miami’s Design District. By 9 p.m., the place was shoulder to shoulder. It was SAVE Dade’s 18th annual Hellrotika, the organization’s famous Halloween party. Attendees were encouraged to come dressed, which almost all of them did. The building was laid out to look like a Roman house in line with this year’s theme: Odyssey of the Gods. To complete the effect, performers were decked out as Greco-Roman sculptures, painted head to toe in white and sporting togas. They stood around motionless, or posed for pictures. Columns kept the theme consistent, and the portable bars kept everyone happy. “It was a hugely successful event with all attendees having a wonderful time at the
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Moore Building,” said CJ Ortuno, SAVE Dade’s executive director. “Amazing costumes, fun atmosphere, and who would have thought that Pee-Wee Herman won the costume contest!” As time went on, it was hard to concentrate with so many detailed and colorful costumes, from cops to soldiers to queens and even princesses. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence even showed up. It was definitely a night to remember. “18 years has created some amazing memories and with nearly 1,000 partygoers this weekend the significance of our event was reinforced,” Ortuno said. “Whenever we bring our community together whether to revel in celebration or take action for our rights, it is a winwin.” For more information about SAVE Dade, go to www.savedade.org.
emily rose dressed for day of the dead
October 31, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com