SLIDE SHOW SLIDE SHOW: 2010 Trinidad Carnival Photos by Cara Chan
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“Jump
up, Jump up, jump and put your hands up…PALANCE!!!!” Those were the
lyrics of Palance, 2010 Carnival’s piping hot, pulsating, energy
inducing theme song. Just try NOT to snap into the groove, shake and
obey its commands. This was my introduction to Carnival, in Trinidad.
Trinidad,
truth be told, has never been on my “To See” list. However, 2 weeks in
and counting, I’m in love! The vibe, the beautiful coastlines, the
highly energetic and free flowing people, the food, the climate, the
winding roads up lush mountains, and most importantly, for me at least,
having “PEPPA” sauce everywhere!
Life
around Trinidad revolves around Carnival. If you aren’t enjoying it,
you’re preparing for it, or reminiscing and waiting for the next.
Carnival season starts from Boxing Day (December 26th), and so forget
your bed, it’s time to party. There are about 3 “Fetes” every week.
That’s just prep time for the final week of Carnival where there’s a
Fete, every single night!
Carnival
Fetes are organized parties thrown by promoters and Carnival bands.
They can be generalized under 5 categories: Cooler Fetes, All-Inclusive
Fetes, Semi-Inclusive, Non-Inclusive and General Pay and Enter Fetes.
Fetes typically have a band, or various bands, in conjunction with a DJ
who fills the empty spots between entertainers. As their categories
suggest, either you bring your own brew and desired provisions (Cooler
Fetes), or food and drink are provided, or just drinks, or nothing at
all. Make sure you check listings and descriptions to see which Fete wets
your appetite, or just do ‘em all and see if you’ll survive the season!
SLIDE SHOW: J'ouvert 2010 Photos by Cara Chan
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Another type of event is J’ouvert.
J’ouvert, (pronounced “jew-vey”) is on my DO NOT MISS list. People, if
you don’t mind getting a little colorful by ways of paint, or for those
of you a bit more adventurous, oil, chocolate or mud, this is the event
to be at. Gathering at meeting points start at 2AM, but the main event
doesn’t start kicking off until 4AM. Food (breakfast, if you make it
til the end) and drinks are included, oh yes, and let’s not forget the
paint, oil or mud. J’ouvert is a mobile party. Party goers dance
through the streets alongside massive trucks either blasting the latest
and hottest soca and calypso tunes, carrying a huge selection of liquid
poison for your drinking pleasure or gigantic tubs with folks
distributing your weapon of choice. If you intend to attend J’ouvert,
bring a pair of sneakers you don’t mind sending to an early grave!
There’s
a full 10 days in a row of scheduled partying before the 2 days
allotted for the actual Carnival parades. These 2 days are national
holidays. Don’t expect to find much to do, besides go to the beach, if
you are not planning to either participate or attend Carnival.
Thousands of Trinidadians, and many people from around the world, (was
pleasantly surprised to bumped into a few fellow Bahamians!) not only
come to watch, but pay fees of up to $500 USD to participate in the
actual parade and competition. I was offered the opportunity to “play
mass” as it’s called, for FREE! However, a late morning at J’ouvert,
and a farmer’s tan kind of thwarted that mission. Next year, Trinidad!
Next year!
Compared
to ALL the experiences I’ve had in the past few years, (8 or so
countries and countless cities) if you’re looking to really throw down,
wine your booty and party with an insanely unique experience, Carnival
in Trinidad’s the place to be. The food, the culture, the island
itself, and most importantly…the energy, the music, the life, and as
they say here in Trinidad, the “joie de vivre” (love of life) of CARNIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, jump up! Jump up! Jump and get your hands up!!! Carnival 2011 baby!!!!! Who’s with me?
The Bahamas represents at Trinidad Carnival Photo: Cara Chan
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SLIDE SHOW SLIDE SHOW: 2010 Trinidad Carnival Photos by Cara Chan
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The author gets a bird's eye view with the Moko Jumbie
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The author, Cara Chan (left) participating in J'ouvert in Trinidad
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About the Author: Born
and bred in Freeport, Bahamas. A mind that can’t be tamed, and will not
mature above the age of 25. A Jane of too many trades, but a passion
for motorcycles, writing, photography, filmmaking, laughter and
travel…to what some may say, AN EXTREME! Can not and will not stay in
one place for too long, for what she’s diagnosed as a medical condition
and prescribed by health professionals. Maybe one day, as more of the
greys set in, the wrinkles deepen and the arthritis makes it hard to
sit for long plane flights or walk, it’ll all change. Until then, this
roaming nomad of a gypsy will continue along her ways, intoxicating the
world with her existence.
“Hi, I’m Cara Chan…nice to meet you!”
www.crazywheelies.com
(In production)
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