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carnival in trinidad and tobago [a thread for people who are interested <3]
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okay before we get into what it is exactly, we NEED to learn the history so:
The origins date back to around the late 18th century, during the time T&T was colonized by the French. The French held annual masquerade ball however, as you would expect, the slaves were excluded
The origins date back to around the late 18th century, during the time T&T was colonized by the French. The French held annual masquerade ball however, as you would expect, the slaves were excluded
from the masquerades. This didn’t stop them though, they decided to enact their own form of Carnival in the slave quarters where they were allowed a modicum of freedom. This came to be known as ‘Canboulay’ or ‘Cannes Bruleés’ since they were held at the same time as the burning
and harvesting period for sugar cane.
The slaves would often mock their oppressors primarily by putting on an exaggerated iteration of French sentiments.
The slaves would often mock their oppressors primarily by putting on an exaggerated iteration of French sentiments.
Memorable characters like ‘Dame Lorraine’ would often mimic the formal dress of the French women by exaggerated padding in the chest or wildly elaborate hats and fans. likkeeee THIS!
These subtle methods of mockery gradually transcended a spirit of union, retaliation, and resistance into a unique form of expressional identity for the slaves. The slaves began mixing in their own African folklore characters and practices.
Canboulay was held right before Lent, which is a period one would use to abstain . Thus, carnival was a way to make up for the coming period of austerity, whereby one would be free to express themselves how they want in whatever creative costumes they want to.
Music plays a key role in molding the carnival experience. Calypso music was used not only to mock the slave masters but as a way to covertly communicate between the slaves. This eventually evolved into Soca music, which is the main music genre played at modern carnival sites.
this part i wrote in the google docs is hella long so here’s a screenshot 
Carnival, like any celebration, has evolved over time. Traditional Canboulay costumes called ‘Ole mas’ are not as popular, while ‘Pretty mas” costumes which are more similar to the costumes worn in the Brazillian Carnival are much more popular.
That being said, the spirit of Carnival is still alive. Calypso is still played, stick fights take place, traditional costumes are still worn and most importantly the notion of Carnival being a time of celebration, and freedom are still intact.
Now that history class is over, what takes place during the Carnival season?
Firstly, the second typically begins in the hearts of the people the minute Christmas day passes lol but it *officially* begins around late January. Exact dates are never really set, Carnival Monday and Tuesday are just known to be the days before Ash Wednesday.
But that doesn’t mean Carnival is set ONLY on those days. Carnival is just the title to describe a number of celebrations. (you following ?) Here are some things that take place during this time:
?) Here are some things that take place during this time:
PANORAMA
Held on the Saturday before Carnival at the Queen's Park Savannah, Panorama is recognized as the pre-eminent steel band competition in the world, Panorama is an annual music competition open to both conventional and single pan steel bands in four main categories:
Held on the Saturday before Carnival at the Queen's Park Savannah, Panorama is recognized as the pre-eminent steel band competition in the world, Panorama is an annual music competition open to both conventional and single pan steel bands in four main categories:
Large Conventional Steel bands, Medium Conventional Steel bands, Small Conventional Steel bands and Single Pan Bands. Here is a performance from 2019 panorama by the band RENEGADES full vid:
J'OUVERT
J'Ouvert takes place before dawn on Carnival Monday and bands of revellers dressed in old clothes cover themselves in oil, grease, paint, chocolate or mud and dance through the streets till the sun comes up.
J'Ouvert takes place before dawn on Carnival Monday and bands of revellers dressed in old clothes cover themselves in oil, grease, paint, chocolate or mud and dance through the streets till the sun comes up.
SOCA AND CALYPSO MONARCH
These are competitions where Soca and Calypso artists perform their songs to be judged in order to win the champion title of Soca and Calypso monarch for that year! Think something like America's Got Talent but Caribbean-ified. (you can find vids on YT)
These are competitions where Soca and Calypso artists perform their songs to be judged in order to win the champion title of Soca and Calypso monarch for that year! Think something like America's Got Talent but Caribbean-ified. (you can find vids on YT)
FETES
These parties can be large or small and during the Carnival season feature live performances from soca musicians, with popular fetes attracting massive crowds.
These parties can be large or small and during the Carnival season feature live performances from soca musicians, with popular fetes attracting massive crowds.
And of course CARNIVAL MONDAY AND TUESDAY
Masquerade bands consisting of thousands of people 'jumping up' (dancing) in glittery, colourful and often revealing costumes rule the streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Masquerade bands consisting of thousands of people 'jumping up' (dancing) in glittery, colourful and often revealing costumes rule the streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Each band has its own historical, mythological or tropical concept with various sections depicting aspects of the main theme. here are some costumes!
There is also Kiddies Carnival that takes place on the Saturday and Sunday before the Mon & Tues. This is just a typical carnival but for kids.
Here are some iconic Carnival characters, that all have their own backstories that I highly encourage you to read up on! (I would tell you myself but this thread is already HELLA long so).
Midnight Robber, Moko Jumbie (yes you HAVE to walk on those tall sticks) and the Jab Molassie
Definitions aside, Carnival to me, as a Trinidadian born and raised, is a season unlike any other. It’s this festival of just happiness and freedom, expression and pride. It’s something that cannot be described in any proper way to do it justice.
It’s genuinely like stepping into this Wonderland of culture. There is a reason Carnival is known by some by the title “The Greatest Show on Earth”. ask any trini and they’ll have something else to tell u it’s just so WOW
Unfortunately, due to Covid, Carnival 2021 was cancelled for the first time since World War II :( This definitely left this strange and awkward atmosphere in the air but at least we had the Soca and Calypso music blasting to make us feel better.
Hopefully Carnival will be back for 2022 but uhhhh yeah that’s not looking so good
