“Carrusel” has become a beloved classic of children’s soap operas in Mexico and Latin America. The enchanting story of the teacher Ximena (played by Gaby Rivero) and her students captivated audiences of all ages during its year-long run from 1989 to 1990.
Even years after the show ended, parts of the cast have maintained their connection and now use social media to share anecdotes and memories of their time on the show. They have recently announced that they are working on a documentary titled “When the Carousel Stops,” which will be shared on their TikTok account of the same name.
In a recent video posted on TikTok, Pedro Javier Vivero, the actor who portrayed the unforgettable Cirilo, revealed the reason for his absence in the final episode of “Carrusel.” It turns out that he contracted chickenpox from his classmate Joseph Birch, who played David, the Jewish boy in the show. Pedro recalled spending that time bedridden, desperately trying to alleviate the itching caused by the illness.
Despite missing out on the climactic episode of the show, Pedro accepted his absence with resignation and humor. He acknowledges that out of 365 episodes, he appeared in 364, which is not a bad record. He ended his video by playfully mentioning his beloved character María Joaquina, played by Ludwika Paleta, and expressing his intention to return.
The reunion of the “Carrusel” cast has brought back nostalgic memories for fans. Gaby Rivero, the teacher Ximena, shared anecdotes from her time with the child actors, including catching Abraham and Pedro smoking in her dressing room using cigarettes they had taken from her bag. The former child stars reunited at a special event organized by Gaby, where they unveiled a plaque commemorating the 900 performances of the play “Made in Mexico” in which she participated.
The bond and camaraderie among the cast members remain strong after all these years. Ludwika Paleta, who began her career with “Carrusel,” has established herself as a successful actress. Pedro Javier Vivero has moved on from acting and now works in a film training center. The rest of the cast has also pursued various careers outside of acting, but they continue to keep in touch and cherish their time together on “Carrusel.”
“Carousel” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many, and its legacy lives on through the fond memories and reunions of its cast members.