Tuesday 28 March 2017

Tuesday 28th March: Trinidad Carnival 2017 - "Fantastic Friday"















Here is my story of recording the Mas (costume) at Trinidad Carnival from the very beginning of my encounters - Fantastic Friday.  There are parades on different days in different towns at different times, all around the clock ........ but this was the first that I came across.  I was in the capital city of Port Of Spain to see a Soca concert for a taste of 2017's fete soundtrack.  (This included a live performance of Ultimate Rejects - "Full Extreme" which became THE MOST PLAYED song for the next week, so much so, that it was permanently in my inner ear even when I was asleep!).  We walked across town, following trails of children in half costume holding their props and headdresses.  This all made sense and came together at an intersection where the procession of bands were going thru a judging panel.  This is why they appear to be in line in these snaps, waiting to cross the line to begin their choreographed routine.

These are traditional costumes, top to bottom: Moko Jumbies (stilt walkers), Dame Lorraine, Baby Dolls,  Grenadan Short-Knee, Fancy Indians, Sailor Mas ........... some of these themes you'll recognise reoccurring over the consecutive days....... 


........... to myself "playing Mas" as a Powder sailor on Tuesday.............. but this moment on Friday was a real highlight and magic memory, as I had finally found myself at Trinidad Carnival seeing the real thing!

(Photo Credit:  Salti Lingo Sylvan, the Moko Jumbie with the red face from TouchDSky)

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