Carnival is Trinidad and Tobago's main annual cultural event. It takes months to prepare, and for weeks before the big event, most Trinidadians live and breath everything carnival. Wikipedia will tell you all about it's history, the events surrounding it, etc. I will tell you about how it feels in Trinidad during Carnival time.
One could probably create a blog purely on the topic of Trinidadian music. It is this nation's heart and soul, and it seems to me that all Trinis live by the rhythm of their songs. Whether it's soca, chutney soca, calypso (born in T&T, by the way), steel pan (born in T&T by the way), church music, rapso, extempo, brass bands, parang, reggae, or rock, you can always hear some kind of music at any given time, wherever you are.
Trinis are very proud of their steel pan invention. Pan yards (or competitions between steel pan groups) have marked important events in the history of this country, and the instrument appears to be the national symbol of T&T. Pan yards have an important role to play during Carnival time, and the melodic sounds mark these days of celebrations.
Soca, a more up-beat type of music that to be honest can either excite you to the point of dancing for two days straight (which is what "playing" Carnival is all about), or it can drive you crazy. Take a look for yourself. This video shows people "playing mas", when they participate in individual performances of bands.
Carnival signs are all over town, and it's almost impossible to escape the excitement and anticipation.
Even though Carnival is the backbone of Trinidad & Tobago's cultural traditions, some Trinidadians want nothing to do with it. Some think it's vulgar (I'm sure you noticed the "wining" in the youtube video above, when two people dance a dance that's a little R rated), loud, and disruptive. For example, during the weeks before Carnival, many people and businesses use it as an excuse for why something hasn't been done. This can be a little irritating. It can also be frustrating when there are fetes (Carnival parties) surrounding your home, and you can't get a decent night's sleep for days at a time because the Soca beat is pounding until 2am.
Despite it's potential controversy, Carnival in Trinidad is a source of pride and contagious national happiness. Foreigners come in plane-loads to take part, and for a few days every year, inhibitions disappear, judgement ends, and most Trinis from all walks of life - rich, poor, black, Indian, white, Asian, young, old, skinny, chubby, participate in a massive party. It's impressive and it's Trinidad.
One could probably create a blog purely on the topic of Trinidadian music. It is this nation's heart and soul, and it seems to me that all Trinis live by the rhythm of their songs. Whether it's soca, chutney soca, calypso (born in T&T, by the way), steel pan (born in T&T by the way), church music, rapso, extempo, brass bands, parang, reggae, or rock, you can always hear some kind of music at any given time, wherever you are.
Trinis are very proud of their steel pan invention. Pan yards (or competitions between steel pan groups) have marked important events in the history of this country, and the instrument appears to be the national symbol of T&T. Pan yards have an important role to play during Carnival time, and the melodic sounds mark these days of celebrations.
Soca, a more up-beat type of music that to be honest can either excite you to the point of dancing for two days straight (which is what "playing" Carnival is all about), or it can drive you crazy. Take a look for yourself. This video shows people "playing mas", when they participate in individual performances of bands.
I took a long walk along Queen's Park Savannah yesterday to see Carnival preparations. Signs depicting gorgeous women with gorgeous bodies in gorgeous Carnival outfits decorated the Savannah. Wooden houses were built for the event. Painted in lively colors, they house food and drink stalls, crafts, and souvenirs.
Despite it's potential controversy, Carnival in Trinidad is a source of pride and contagious national happiness. Foreigners come in plane-loads to take part, and for a few days every year, inhibitions disappear, judgement ends, and most Trinis from all walks of life - rich, poor, black, Indian, white, Asian, young, old, skinny, chubby, participate in a massive party. It's impressive and it's Trinidad.
No comments:
Post a Comment