An explosion of color music, revelry, and creativity, Trinidad's Carnival has spawned similar celebrations around the world; but nothing on earth can rival the abandon, euphoria and stunning spectacle of our festival. With its massive masquerade bands, spectacular costumes, pulsating music and unparalleled stamina for partying, Trinidad's Carnival is often described as the greatest show on earth. It is a time for release and everyone is invited to join the party.J'Ouvert Morning, Blow yuh whistle!
Each year at 4 am on Monday, Carnival begins under a cloak of darkness. Fueled by exhilaration and the energetic rhythms of Soca music, revelers take to the streets for the predawn party of J'Ouvert.Carnival Monday
Come daytime, the J'Ouvert revelry clears and massive costumed bands of "Pretty Mas" players flood the street with riotous color. A cast of thousands take to the street "jumping up" and "wining" (gyrating of the hips) to the sound of Soca blaring from speakers piled on music trucks. The excitement is at fever pitch, but Carnival Monday is only a "warm-up" for Carnival Tuesday.
Carnival Tuesday
Carnival Tuesday begins promptly at 8 a.m. Thousands of masqueraders are in full costume, ready and impatiently awaiting their chance to strut in front of the television cameras as bands cross the main judging points. Each band has its own historical, mythological or tropical concept with various sections depicting aspects of the main theme.Bands are judged in three categories: small, medium and large and winners are announced after all the bands have crossed the stage. The Champion Band is crowned Masquerade Band of the Year
Pre-Carnival Celebrations
Officially Carnival is the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday but celebrations begin right after Christmas. From Boxing Day it is non-stop partying until Carnival Sunday. It is during this post Christmas period that calypso tents open their doors to the public and cultural shows, from Limbo competitions to massive soca concerts, begin.Radio stations begin to play the latest soca hits and many masquerade bands launch their new themes.
Steelbands begin intense preparations for Panorama, the annual competition for steel pan bands.
Mas Bands
Many "Mas Bands" provide costumes, security, food and drinks during J'ouvert, Carnival Monday, and Carnival Tuesday in Trinidad each year. Many visitors choose to "play mas" with one of the large, all-inclusive bands, like Tribe, Island People, Yuma or Harts. I personally enjoy playing mas with Trini Revellers, a medium-size band which has won band of the year Here are some of the "main" or "popular" Mas Bands you can contact for more information. I'll put a star next to the bands I have participated in. Don't forget to plan early:J'ouvert Bands
Blue Devils Info: 868-499-1469 | 868-629-3997
Chocolate City Info: 868-625-8MAS | 868-685-0738 Website: http://www.dkrewecarnival.com *
Cocoa Devils Website: http://www.dcocoacrew.com *
Jungle Fever Info: 868-776-0521 (Nice band but their drinks are not always cold and limited)
Insomniacs Info: 868-622-6017
Red Ants Info: 868-624-2245 or 868-625-6800 *
Yellow Devils Info: 868.789.6168**
Carnival Bands
Island People Tel: (868) 625-1FUN (1386) Website: http://www.islandpeoplemas.com *
Legacy Tel: (868) 622-7466 Website: http://www.legacycarnival.com
MacFarlane Carnival Tel : (868) 625-8931 Website: http://www.macfarlanecarnival.net
Tribe Tel: 868-625-6800 Website: http://www.carnivaltribe.com *
Trini Revellers Tel: (868) 625-1881 Website: http://www.trinirevellersmas.com ***
Harts Tel: (868) 622-8038 Website: http://www.hartscarnival.com *
Ronnie & Caro Carnival Band Tel: (868) 781-7651 Fax: (868) 629-4112 Website: http://www.ronnieandcaro.com
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