CARIBBEAN INSIDER BLOG

Carnival, it’s a unique experience. As I wrote some years ago, it took me a few years to give it a real try rather than just being a spectator in Antigua, St. Kitts and Trinidad, but since then I have been hooked. My introduction to true participation was Trinidad’s Carnival, “The Greatest Show on Earth” in the 1990s when I was able to get a costume the night before Carnival Monday in Peter Minshall’s band - Minshall was the famed Olympic Opening Ceremony designer for the Barcelona and Atlanta events. Luckily (as I was a shy girl then), Minshall’s designs were very artistic, depicting a story, almost like being part of a play with a cast of thousands, and also the body is well covered so I had a modest and cultural introduction.

When I played in Trinidad again in 2000 in Legends (now split into Legacy and Genesis), I played the now renowned “bikini mas” which has spread in popularity throughout the Caribbean (even though many who play do not have bikini bodies, it really doesn’t matter although some do spend hours in the gym in the months leading up to Carnival). Since then, I have played mas most years in Dynamics, one of the largest bands in Antigua.

But Carnival is not just about playing mas, and dancing for two days in the hot sun through the capital city (sounds like torture when written down, but the local rum really helps!). For those who are not exhibitionists (or rum guzzlers), the Carnival shows are quite entertaining. Most Caribbean carnivals have a similar composition: Calypso Competition, Queen of Carnival Competition, Steelband Competition and a Party or Soca Monarch Competition followed by the Monday morning J’ouvert - an early morning (4am) street party where revellers follow their favourite band or steelband through the city streets as the sun rises (an unimaginable feeling each time).

Trinidad is the home of the steelpan and they really take their “Panorama” steelband competition seriously. You can hear the bands practicing on the “track” before the competition, which is a whole experience in itself - pan playing, food and drink.

The Calypso competition tends to have songs reflecting the politics and issues of the country, so those not resident may not always get the drift, but it is a really unique and intense way to delve into the culture – though you should go with someone who can interpret and doesn’t mind you asking lots of questions.

The Queen Pageant is fun also, encompassing talent, evening wear, swimwear, interview and a Carnival costume performance. 

And Carnival is the birthplace of the “All Inclusive” party where you get drinks and sometimes food all night.

The highlight is the one or two day spectacle of costumed groups or bands dancing through the streets. The bands are judged at various points on the route and then the bands cross the stage in a stadium where the audience watches (I usually stay at the back of the stage, away from the cameras!)

Some of the best carnivals take place during the summer time including:

St. Lucia – The highlight of the Carnival usually takes place in the second week of July and encompasses the traditional shows and competitions and two days of mas.

Antigua – The Carnival starts in mid July, with preliminary competitions and calypso tents and all inclusive parties, and peaks on the first Monday and Tuesday in August.

Barbados – Called “Crop Over”, the carnival has its origins in celebrating the end of the sugar harvesting season and starts with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the most productive cane cutters of the season, the King and Queen of the Festival. A five week festival ending on the first Monday in August, Grand Kadooment. With great bands, good shows and serious parties, this festival is catching up with Trinidad and competes with Antigua being held at the same time.

Anguilla – Starting the first Saturday in August and culminating the following weekend, this Carnival also incorporates boat-racing which is a strong tradition in the country and the Leeward Islands Calypso Competition.

Grenada – Starting in July and culminating on the second Monday and Tuesday in August, it features calypso competitions, queen’s competitions and a two day parade.

Some hotels participate in activities like the Opening Parade with a t-shirt band, and encourage their staff and guests to join and have fun.

So why not plan a visit to the Caribbean in July or August. In addition to catching some of the best carnival events of the summer, you also benefit from a host of special discounts and offers provided by hotels during the low season.

Ask your hotel if it is participating, or insist that they do. It really is an experience of a lifetime!