Is T&T Carnival Still The Greatest Show On Earth?

In Defense of We Carnival

Recently, a situation has arisen where differing perspectives prompt contemplation.  

I am referring to two instances of locals expressing sentiments critical of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, it makes you stop and think.

One is a video circulating on WhatsApp and Facebook. The other is an article published in a local newspaper.

Initially, I acknowledged some validity in the perspectives but adamantly refrained from total agreement. Here is why.

Trinidad and Tobago is my home; I have to admit, it's not perfect, but it is home. No doubt, it is blind patriotism, I cannot endorse criticism about the place I hold dear because of their skewed perspectives.

The truth lies in the acknowledgment of varied perspectives. Take a minute and view the video below. This is a Trinidadian who is supposedly disheartened by her recent Carnival experience. She is putting it out there. I have seen many align with her viewpoints, my disagreement prevails.

She is making some valid points, consider her perspective. 

 

 

 

She's is right. Right?

So let's tackle her assertions about high prices, encompassing all-inclusive fetes, band fees, costume expenses, and tent costs, 

It is easy to concede that these prices are indeed high. 

However, take a minute and look at the huge number of masqueraders in each band with the high prices. It would appear that the prices are just where they need to be. If they are paying why complain about the price?   

The truth is that many band leaders had to shut it off from taking more participants most likely because costumes were sold out. 

I am sure that nobody was forced to pay one cent, everyone did it because they knew they would enjoy the experience, and most are above the average intelligence.    

She advises her listeners to explore alternatives, perhaps in Dominica she will learn that cheaper is not always better. You do what you can afford to do, no more. 

It is vital to recognize the economic reality of the individuals involved in Carnival, including band leaders, Steelband organizations, mas makers, and promoters, they all rely on funds generated in the carnival season for their livelihoods. Imagine a business that operates once for maybe two months out of the year.    

Next, if you consider the dormant state of the Carnival machine in the past two years, you will understand that the current economic landscape deserves your empathy.

When you understand the undeniable reality that the evolution of Carnival is a cultural event born out of a revolution, (Cambulay). The crux of the rebellion was the freedom to celebrate in any way they felt and to move away from the prevailing social norms.  

The rebellion continues, which leads to her next point of contention; naked mas.

She is not alone, a significant segment of society abhors and criticizes masqueraders in skimpy outfits. We are referring to; bare-bottom string bikinis, almost bare chests, gyrating in the streets.  

The assertion is that such choices indicate a departure from our culture in pursuit of virality on social media.  An article published in the Trinidad Express, written by the Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, titled "Saving Carnival" shares a similar perspective. 

But is it true?  Are we losing the Spirit of Carnival? 

We have been answering that same question for over fifty years. 

Here is an excerpt from another article that expresses the sentiments of many locals, especially the older generation. It was written a local (older person), Terrence Honore, titled; “Carnival The Naked Truth”

“Now the bystanders, organizers, and the tourists all come out to see how we are moving like the aborigines, the indigenous costumes taking center stage. A piece of cloth to cover the private part, like the leaf in the Garden of Eden. We have come full circle. The fashion of our nation is nudity for all to see. What is next for our tourist plan, a full-fledged nudist band?” 

Read the entire article "Carnival: The Naked Truth," 

Now let's accept that 2024 is not the first year that there were bands of skimpy outfits. As mentioned before it has been happening for over five decades. 

When we speak of the evolution of carnival, we must understand that carnival is a product, there are elements of every product that attract a targeted audience. We are not all nudists, not everyone would put on a G-string and venture in public. Thank God we are not all alike. And thank God that there are people like that or we would have a boring carnival.  

There are segments of the population that feel they must pontificate about the horrible nature of carnival. That’s nothing new, it has been happening for over fifty years.

Carnival is evolving, and yes it’s commercialized, and so is Christmas. 

Nobody comes from America or Europe to see a Midnight Robber or a Blue Devil. They come because, we are a decadent society, maybe not you but why deny the ones who have been doing it all their lives, it’s in their DNA.

We all know that in marketing “sex sells” but Carnival is multifaceted extending beyond the imagery of naked women

Think about this; your focus is a choice. We all know that carnival encompasses more than just skimpy outfits.

It appears that critics did not see the intricate costumes designed by the King and Queen of the Bands. Imagine the creativity that went into making those costumes, it is proof that we are not losing carnival; its talent is growing with the youth. 

Ultimately, the assertion that the essence of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is reduced to nudity, challenges the readers to broaden their perspective. 

Perception is shaped by what one chooses to focus on, with a reminder that Carnival offers a diverse and vibrant array of experiences.

The all-inclusive fetes are all planned to give Carnival partygoers a unique party experience. There is no better-organized parties in the world. 

The intricacies of costume design go beyond sensationalized depictions. It showcases the Trinidad and Tobago people creative talents, sharing their imagination with the world. 

And Carnival Monday and Tuesday are two days of absolute fun in the sun. Skimpy outfits or not, we come together and enjoy looking in amazement at each other, and now the tourists are lost in the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. 

Why would anyone want to go to any other carnival in the world is beyond. 

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is the Greatest Show on earth.