#SHE'S A MASQUERADER Pt. 2

HAY HAY HAY!!

I know it has been a while.  Life basically took over and to finally have some time to sit down and write, is actually calming and reassuring as to why I am doing this!

My previous post, was about myself being a Masquerader and taking part in Trinidad Carnival 2014 (hides face).  Yes, it has been a looonnnggg time!  Well since then, you should know, I have made appearances in many more Carnivals:

Miami 2014, 2015, 2016 - One Island Band (oneislandband.com)

Trinidad 2015 - Ronnie & Caro (ronnieandcaro.com)

Crop Over (Barbados) 2015 - Baje International (baje-intl.com)

Chocolate Nation Mas - J'ouvert

Nottinghill Carnival 2016 - J'ouvert with Chocolate Nation (chocolatenationmas.com) & mas with UCOM (unitedcoloursofmas.com) We even got featured on BBC news:

Each carnival brings a different vibe, different type of fun, and different types of people from different parts of the Caribbean and world.  Each carnival has different symbolism and meaning behind it.  The history behind each, is pretty enchanting.  When I have done further research on each country, and learn a bit more about the history, it makes me excited to say that I got the opportunity to be part of something that the natives have celebrated for many years, with meaning.  For example, in Grenada, for J'ouvert, they celebrate Jab Jab or Jab Molassie (spicemasgrenada.com/jouvert; traditionalmas.com/project/jab-jab-2).  In Barbados, carnival is called "Crop Over" because they are celebrating the end of the sugar crop season (barbados.org/cropover.htm#.WAZjreUrKUk).

I have to say, with Carnival, you should not knock it, until you try it! Once you try it, I'm sure you will become addicted, like I have.  However, if you don't like soca music, are not into big crowds, don't have the stamina for long days back to back, and the most COMFORTABLE SHOES, it is not for you!

Something about being on the road with strangers, you end up making new connections and friends. I have, considering, I am sketch about new people and people in general.  It's pretty dope. When you go back and end up playing mas with them, it's even more fun!  It seems like in that moment, all sour attitudes are gone.  There's a sudden "hey, new person. I like you. Let's turn up together".

Each location even plays certain soca from specific countries and their own country.  I can say for sure, Nottinghill Carnival, which the UK has a mix of people from the islands, definitely had a mix of the big Trinidadian artist playing on the trucks.  However, it was the small islands that were massive! St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent pretty much took over music wise.  It was definitely a new scene for me to experience, and a few songs that I was shocked that I had not heard more often in parties back home in NYC, that I liked alot!

With each location, I took risks with unfamiliar masquerade bands and said, "I like this costume, they are a big band that has notoriety, let's go with them".  In almost all of the cases, it has worked out in my favor.  I always made sure I did further research, some by literally reaching out to friends in those locations to make sure my findings were correct.

Each costume is hand made.  There are very little parts that are actually sent out elsewhere to be made.  My friends agreed, our BEST MADE costume came from UCOM! OMG!!  Each piece was so well made, and because of that, even when jammin hard, we lost no stones, gems, nothing!  Even the feathers just seemed to flow perfectly, without losing any!! Ugh!

J'ouvert and costume package pick-up varies in certain locations.  I have to say Trinidad's Ronnie & Caro (ronnieandcaro.com) has never failed me with picking up my costume package. To add to that list, UCOM (unitedcoloursofmas.com) in Nottinghill definitely had an order that made the process run smoothly.  Please note, the price you pay for costumes, is not only paying for the costume.  Your basically paying for an all day all inclusive party: DJ's, food, drink, security, music equipment, and the people who are making your costume.

If your interested in trying carnival and want to get booked,  especially the ones I have participated in (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCTravels@gmail.com

An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean

#SHE'S A MASQUERADER!!!

I have the slightest idea of where to begin!! WHEW!!!  I am back and have officially recovered.  Sorry for the delay in my post!

I have PLENTY West Indian friends (whom some, I did not know were until Senior year of High School and even a few after college).  Growing up, the only West Indians I knew of, was my paternal Grandfather (whose from the Bahamas and depending on politics, is not considered a "West Indian Isle") and the majority in my neighborhood, which were Jamaicans.  I knew nothing of other Caribbean islands outside of Jamaica, because they were the only people (to my knowledge) that were in my neighborhood.  When I entered High School, I met more people from other islands, and could finally hear the different accents.  One girl was from Haiti, another was from Antigua.  I couldn't believe these places were unknown to me!  Later down the line came St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, and St. Kitts.  I began to do more research on the islands and learn a little more about some of their history, as I am OBSESSED with culture.  Each of them have a "Carnival" season: the celebration of the freeing of slaves (general meaning).  I researched more on why during these celebrations, people would dress in costume.  Later, I met my then boyfriend, who is half Trinidadian, who informed more about the culture, to the point where he convinced me to "Play Mas" a.k.a. Masquerade.  First thing that came out my mouth was "Hell NO! I will not be out there in a two piece with this body!"  He convinced me there will be "worse" out there.  And honey, there was, but those people carried it with confidence and not a care in the world.  He assisted me in getting into the scene and I too later learned, to be free with no worries! The best feeling ever!! Est.  October 2011

To give some background about Trinidad's Carnival: "Trinidad's Carnival has many influences. The Spanish and English colonial powers, French planters, African slaves, Indian indentured labourers, and the many other ethnic groups that settled here have all left an indelible mark on the festival. In 1783 the French brought their culture, customs and Carnival, in the form of elaborate masquerade balls, to Trinidad along with African slaves. The period stretching between Christmas and the start of Lent was a time for feasting, fancy dress balls and celebration for both the French and British. Banned from the festivities, slaves in the barrack yards would hold their own celebrations mimicking their masters' behaviour while incorporating rituals and folklore. Once slavery was abolished in 1838, the freed Africans took their Carnival to the streets and, as each new immigrant population entered Trinidad, a new flavour was added to the festivities. Today, our diverse culture has influenced the music, food and traditions of Carnival." Trinidad & Tobago Carnival

I have learned (just like myself) people never understood the concept of the whole costume idea.  Some people have not done their research to learn where it comes from and why it is.  Most people nowadays just see the 2 piece costume options and assume it's men and women's excuse to be be half dressed and dancing in the street.  That's not the concept at all!!  Just like any other traditional event, as time goes on, certain aspects of the tradition changes.  Same goes for Carnival!  A long tradition that has changed over time!

My first year of playing Mas began in 2011, New York City's West Indian Day Parade or Labor Day Parade.   I was SCARED!!  I played with a small band call "L&B Carnival". Perfect for new people.

Nothing but nervous look on my face!

Because the media projects it to be one of the most unsafe parades, I was so nervous to be out there.  I learned from my own experience, this is not the case.  When you are member of the parade, the experience is completely different, and as far as I was concerned, nothing bad happened to me while parading down the street.  Of course I was nervous about how I looked in my costume, but once I saw other women, all shapes and sizes, exude their confidence in their costumes, I said "get over it, HAVE FUN!"  And that I did!  From then on, I became addicted!  The best part of it, besides the food and drinks and music, is that most of those people, I WILL NEVER SEE AGAIN! LOL  So it is definitely the best time to let loose and be free!

From then on, I played mas again, later that year in Miami Carnival, which takes place in October, followed by "Caribana" in Toronto August 2012: Carnival Nationz

Miami 2012: One Island Band

and I finally popped my realest carnival experience, when I went to Trinidad in February 2013 and played with Legacy Mas Band

I booked and went on a whim with my friends sister, and stayed with my friends family.  Talk about nervous!  People thought I was crazy.  But when you've been bitten by a bug that gives you a rush, you don't think or worry about who, what, when, where, why, and how.  As long as the important parts are set up, your good to go!

Talk about growing to love strangers! This family, all around, is tight knit, looks out for one another, doesn't let anything that bother them linger for too long, and made sure that although it was just me, that I had the utmost fun!  Kept me in close distance, never took their eyes off of me (even when I crossed the Big Stage alone) and gave me an up close and personal experience about the culture of their country!  They are my family now!

This year, 2014, I went back to to Trinidad for carnival, this time with 2 more friends in tow.  I told them all about my experience the previous year, so I wanted to make sure they had the same experience. Mission: ACCOMPLISHED They are not only still talking about it and starring at the pictures that they took, but they have begun planning for next year! 

Talk about partied almost non-stop!

Darin's Thursday Night

Phucket Friday night

Man this year, I definitely did.  That definitely was the goal. From Canival Thursday to Ash Wednesday, we were on the move!

Buenos Dias Boat Ride Saturday AM

Insomnia 12am-10am (above video)

Insomnia 

Dad showing the young Thundacats hows its done! 

In the street of Petit Valley

Even partied on the local streets on Sunday, until the beginning of the biggest day celebration came.  It starts with Jouvert.  










Jouvert is: the official start of carnival, at dawn on the Monday preceding Lent.  On this morning, you can play with a Jouvert band, which all vary from Pain, Powder, Water, and ours, MUD!  By this time, I was ready to sleep.  I took a cat nap on the way home! 

Finally, Carnival Monday in Full Bloom!  
On this day, you meet with your band for your all inclusive all day party.  You wear regular clothing, part of your costume, or the band t-shir that is issued to you. Lucky for me this year, no sunburn since my shoulders were covered, and the hats came in handy.  The sun in Trinidad is DIFFERENT!  Because of that, you must pace yourself. You have to have plenty of water during the day just to maintain. A few alcohol beverages here and there, but more water than anything until the sun goes down.

Talk about hot SUN! But so worth it all.  The following day, Carnival Tuesday, is full costume.  Lord knows I avoided eating for most of that morning!  Had to get all my good picture in! LOL 

And the stayed with us the whole time. LOVE THEM!

If I come across more videos of my band on the road, I will add to this post.  But for now, to see my band "Get on BAD", take a look at them crossing the main stage early Carnival Tuesday Morning. Ronnie & Caro Mas Band:

I suggest to folks who have the stamina, all ages, shapes and sizes, at least once in their life, PLAY MAS!! Talk about an experience!! Even if you can't do the 2 days, at least do a Jourvert Band.  Overall my experience has always been a good one, especially when you have the right "crew" with you!

Have you ever given it any thought?  Have you yourself played Mas?  If so, with whom?  Would you ever try out Trinidad Carnival?  Are you up for the challenge?!! Hehe

#SHE'S Part Garifuna!

In celebration of my friend Guildia's upcoming 30th birthday, I decided to flash back on when I visited her home country.  Have you ever thought about seeing what Central America looks like?  I mean, besides looking at the pictures of the forests and wilderness, what about its beaches?  The local people who not only maintain them, but live on them? The homes in the smaller towns, outside of the city?  Outside of the oh so famous, zip line tourist areas?  

What about having to fly into the capital, then take a four hour private taxi, to get on a boat for another thirty minutes, to finally land at your destination? Welcome to  Livingston "La Buga", Guatemala.

My very good friend Guildia, is from this town. Born and raised before relocating and settling in the Bronx. She was the first Black person I met, well I should say first Black person that I realized was Black from a Central American country.  It was not until she explained it all to me, that I learned that there were African descent people in Central America, in most cases, Garifuna people.  Growing up in the USA, in public NYC schools, when you learn about slavery, you are only taught about the slavery that had taken place in the USA and some parts of the West Indies if you are lucky, and not any place else.  You are not taught that Central America was also a slave trade port.  I will never forget our first conversation about it:

Me: You have a different accent, where are you from?
Guildia: I'm from Guatemala.
Me: There aren't Black people in Guatemala.
Guildia: (sternly) Yes there are.
Me: I've never heard of that ever!
Guildia: (Cheeks red) How could you not know that?!
It was after this conversation, I had to tell her, "Flash back to when you first came to this country, and you started taking History and Social Study courses.  Do you recall there every being a reference of the Slave trade in Central America?"  And that's when she remembered herself, there wasn't.  



Boy I was scared when he picked up that wild Chicken

I have to say, when you meet people, get to know them, especially those who are not from where you are, and take the time to travel to where they are, you learn so much more than what a text book may tell you, or what the school curriculum will teach you. My chance came when she invited me to come to her country, her town in 2009. Talk about CULTURE SHOCK!! I think this experience opened doors for me where I have become a bit obsessed with cultures of the world. 


Local boys playing Punta music

I am one for all about exploring a new place with the local people, before I go to that place just for a leisure vacation.  However, I did not prepare myself fully.  The biggest hindrance for me was that I did not speak Spanish.  I understood it but did not speak it fluently.  So it was hard for me and my little boy crush to, G's cousin, to communicate.  But one thing we knew, we liked one another.  He played shy initially, but I knew he would come around eventually LOL!

We went down during a time of what is called "Semana Santa", Holy Week or Easter Week.  In most Christian countries around the world, there is a week long celebration of the Rising of Christ, Easter.  Some places re-enact the death and the rising of Christ on Easter Sunday.  La Buga, takes part in this ritual every year.  With real whips, real blood, a real crown made from thorns on the person who is re-enacting Jesus' walk with a replica Cross to carry.  That first slap on his back with the whip is what catches everyone's attention.  You can't help but cry.  Kids part take in this event as well.  They fortunately come out before the last faithful walk for Jesus Christ.  This is something you almost never see in the USA.

I didn't expect us to run into so many people who came down from the US for that week.  We practically ran into the entire East Side of the Bronx, and parts of Brooklyn. Most Garifuna people reside in these areas in NYC.  So I wasn't totally left in the dark when having to speak to other people that we ran into because, they spoke English as well.  This turned into one big hangout celebration for all of us. Seven days of fun in the sun, food, special beverages, and "Punta" music nightly at the local Discoteca's on the beach.  Did I mention, from Guildia's house, you can see Belize? Oh, you can catch a boat ride right on over to Belize, just about anytime. Just have your passport ready.

Long walk to quiet beach. This bridge was scary!!

Walk along the beach to the next bar!

The feast her cousin cooked. Miss it soo much! LOL

I enjoyed myself so much, that I returned the following year with G.  I loved being immersed into the culture, the food, and seeing people of African descent in a place that's kind of a hidden gem.  I even noticed that the African culture is, this many years later, still part of their tradition, all the way down to the food.  Yes, there is a blend of Latin culture as well, seeing as the town is also shared/blended with the native Mayan Indians.  The elders play a big part in the discipline of the children and young adults of the town.  You greeted them every time you passed, "Buenas", and you did not curse in front of them, and in return, if you were good, you got the best hugs and kisses, along with a nice place of food LOL (I love to eat).  G's cousin actually cooked for us one day.  With the 2 burner stove that she had, and the ingredients we purchased, she made one of the best Stew Chicken dishes I have every had!  Myself, G, and her cousins kids gobbled it up so fast!!
You sometimes think you have it bad until you run into people who have it worse.  They still wore a smile, they were still pleasant, they did not complain about their living conditions or how tight money was.  They were content in their world, and were happy to see other people come and take witness to it.  Most of the people who visit this area, are tourist/explorers from Europe.  There are hotels that are located on the island, but, they have strict rules and are monitored closely for people who reside in the hotels.  Most of the tourists come to explore, more than relax on the beaches.  It is definitely a place where you will get a combination of both and feel safe all at the same time.  I can say you felt that way on the island than in the city, assuming because everyone knows one another, and the violence is almost non-existent. 

Boat we hopped off of to Playa Blanca.

Playa Blanca, was such a lovely experience in itself.  It started with another boat ride, about 15-20 minute ride to the destination.  Along the way, we saw Manitees swiming right next to us.  I was scared.  Then we docked...in the water.  We had to jump in and walk to the shore.  To feel how warm the water was, was so awesome!  We were greeted by a man whose family actually lives and owns the land, and lives off of it.  For a small fee, equivalent to about $2 US, you get not only entrace to the beach, but you get treated like royalty!

Arrived and looking for a spot in Playa Blanca.

With his son, they had hammocks already hung up, wooden hand made place mats for you to lay your towel on top of on the beach. Their were showers where the shower heads were made out of sea shells that he carved himself!  The beach was so clean.

His kids came and asked you about 5 times, if you would like to buy Coconut water. LOL. I think my Spanish was getting better each time I told him "No Thank You, with adding on more each time so he would get the hint. I suggest when you visit this place, you have plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and room in your belly for the home made, NATURAL food that you will get at the restaurants. They do take time to make, as everything is made from scratch and does not come out as fast as what we are used to in the USA.

Have you every thought to visit other parts of Central America, other than the usual Costa Rica?  What about Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, to name a few?  Thankfully enough, I have friends from the first two, so I shall make my way there as well! HA!