#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