In April 2020, the Government of Trinidad & Tobago implemented the first of it's Covid response lockdowns. Initially meant for just two weeks in April, restrictions were extended into September.
These masqueraders get in character as they play 'Roaring Lion' with their Lion mask headpieces.
Wearing a 'Masque' or a headpiece derived from a mask has long been a part of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival culture.
In July, the Government announced mandatory wearing of masks. Police began enforcing these draconian new laws by ticketing persons not wearing masks, even whilst driving in their own cars. But before Trinidadians were ordered to wear masks, to wear masks has been a tradition.
Masked up, two Masqueraders portraying the 'Wawargira' and 'Dia De Los Muertos' festivals, as part of their Mas Band's presentation.
Mas, derived from 'Masquerade' and Mas bands are 'groups' or 'troupes'.
The word mas refers to the costume aspect, to 'play mas' means to put on the costume, be part of the Mas band's theme portrayal. In earlier days all bands had live music, mostly percussion, and it's from these origins Soca music was born. Today almost all bands have Soca sound trucks with DJs. Some bands do still include live music during the day, but being part of 'the band' just means you're on the route, with your 'troupe' in costume.
Playing 'Odysseus' a masqueraders sports a Gladiator helmet and mask.
The Origins of Carnival are associated with the decadent feasts and revelry held before the fasting of lent. The 'Mas' tradition started in the late 18th century. French plantation owners organized masquerade balls before enduring the fasting of Lent. The 18th century slaves could not take part in this Carnival, and so they formed their own, parallel celebration, called Canboulay, which is now a precursor to Carnival.
A Venezuelan masquerader proudly displays her 'colours' 'on D' road' in Trinidad Carnival.
Carnival begins in the early hours of Jouvert, creole for 'break of day/opening day'. Revellers take to the streets in a festival of music, drink, dance, mud and paint. Often portraying traditional characters such as the 'Jab Jab'.
A Jouvert Masquerader is masked up as she plays 'Jab Jab'
A masquerader strikes a stunning pose for admirers in her golden mask.
Trinidad Carnival is vibes. Carnival vibes is love. Carnival runs non stop through two days of 'no sleep' festivities. If you only ever experience one carnival in your life, then let that carnival be Trinidad Carnival.
A Trinidadian masquerader Portraying the Mexican festival of 'dia de los Muertos' adorning a skeleton mask. Such is the culturally diverse nature of Trinidad Carnival Mas.
truly I need to get to that Carnival one day
You should do it! What costume would you wear though? Might pay to our some thought into it prior to make sure it's fabulous!
the costumes are something else. Love caribbean carnivals I've been to a few but I suspect the trinidad one would be mint
It's looking like Carnival 2021 will be postponed until May. You should link up with @diveratt and both come. I'll probably post up our 2021 costume pics once we've launched. (launch had been planned for August but we postponed it due to second lockdown)
He's been diving today. Glad he got you on here. It's a fun platform and rewarding too. You'll have some great ammunition to work with over there :)
Hi. What's your shop called on Rebubble?
Hi, here's a link https://www.redbubble.com/people/604668ja1ma1ca/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown
ok, he said that was the name but when i did a search i couldn't find it. Here's mine.
https://www.redbubble.com/people/RipeBananaShop/shop
you been chatting to @diveratt ? 😃
Yup. I started a store, and posted up some Scuba stuff. He mentioned you had one.
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STOPThis looks like a lot of fun!
Please tell me, is travel there safe for tourists? I don't know a lot about the area (clearly) and was wondering. I don't mean COVID safe, I mean in general.
Yes and No. Like many places it depends on where you go, the company you keep, and personal responsibility. Generally, yes, it is safe. But there are some tips and such tourists should adhere to. Unfortunately our borders are still closed and it's looking like there won't be a carnival 2021 in February as scheduled. Possibly it will be postponed until May 2021. Once that's definite i'll post more about it. Tips & all.
In the meantime I'm Happy to answer any questions.
Yeah, I guess that makes sense, it's the same anywhere I suppose. It's just that some places are possibly considered more unsafe than others and I suppose also your right about who a person is with. A shame the pandemic has forced so many changes but let's hope things are back on track soon. Thanks for replying.