New Haven Independent

The coronation took place during an annual party at Casa (one of several lively annual events the complex organizes). A panel of judges from the Latino community review finalists for the titles of king and queen. The winners serve in that capacity for a year, representing Casa and, as Milagros Soler demonstrated at Tuesday’s party, perfecting the regal wave.

The new winners already seemed to have the wave down, too. Before the coronation, each of the finalists paraded around the room escorted by a New Haven police officer. Officer Ivelisse Ortiz, for instance, escorted, among others, Ismail Rodriguez (in photo).

There was lots of music, of course, with some of the finalists sitting in with the band. Casa staff handed out Valentine’s cards and boxed chocolates to the guests.

The music was infectious. A walker became a “dancer” for 70-year-old Rosalia Ortiz (left), a visitor from an elderly complex in Waterbury who cut a rug.