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. 

 

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Musings 2014

Some May Agree & Others Not... This is one perception of the affect of Carnival on T&T

This post has nothing to do with pan, calypso or chutney music but Carnival and the mentality that surrounds the Carnival celebrations.  It's looking at Carnival from a distinct perspective. 

Sex & Carnival Babies

 If your birthday falls in October or November and you live in Trinidad and Tobago, the possibility is very high that you are a Carnival baby.  This is a well known Trinbago phenomenon.  Herpes and the HIV virus have reduced the possibility, because like the rest of the world Trinbago citizens are acutely aware of the life threatening danger of contacting sexually transmitted diseases during the carnival season.  Times have changed and now wise men and some women include a condom as part of their Carnival season partying gear.  Alcohol and sex are easily mixed but there are many who are very sensitive to the possibilities and refrain altogether.   There is no guarantee of getting laid because it’s Carnival

Parties & Fetes

Without a doubt, Carnival is a week long season of parties that actually climaxes at 12 PM on Carnival Tuesday night.  The fetes, calypso tents, Monarch Calypso and Soca competitions and the Carnival King and Queen Show actually start in January and continue throughout the Carnival season.  The season is marked by a series of large “Carnival Fetes” catering to thousands of patrons consuming alcohol or just enjoying the Calypso, Soca and now Chutney music.  

For the more conservative, there are the “all inclusive” fetes or small parties that filter out the poor, lower class citizens by charging entry fees that are the equivalent of $200 to $300 USD.  “All inclusive” means that patrons are allowed to eat and drink everything at the bar and on the menu at no additional cost.   Patrons are ensured that they will be partying with a “respectable” crowd and security to ensure their safety. 

Island Party

Most foreigners believe that the entire population has a big party on the designated carnival days because it is a national event.  Not so, there are thousands of Trinbagonians who head for the beaches, religious retreats or just stay home.  Many despise what they call noise, wanton promiscuity and lewdness of carnival.  They look at carnival as a pagan ritual that contributes to the disintegration of the society.   But that’s only a small segment of the population.

The rest of the population takes the pre-season carnival season seriously.  They spend thousands partying, purchasing costumes, sometimes going into debt, to “play mas” on Carnival Monday, Tuesday or both days.  Carnival also attracts thousands of Trinbago citizens living in various parts of the world and others who could afford to visit including more recently celebrities from the United States.  

God & Carnival   

Trinidad and Tobago is primarily a secular society with most citizens belonging to one of the many religious denominations.  Last year, a group of Catholics launched a carnival band in an attempt to inject some religious flavor into Carnival.  They established band rules that forbade alcohol, lewd dancing or nakedness.  The band attracted a few people but on a whole it was not overwhelmed.

Pentecostals and other “Born Again” denominations usually organize Carnival Camps where the children in the church are taken on excursions or week end camps to beaches and other isolated retreats.  Others, forbidden to join the celebrations, take it in on the television. 

Trini 2D Bone

Trinbagonians who partake in the Carnival celebrations belong to two distinct groups with a little gray area in the middle.  First you have the diehard mas man who plays mas, come sun rain or shine.  Every year without fail is a different “mas”.  They develop concepts and demonstrate amazing creativity and talents in their presentation for the Carnival season.   Some are elaborate floats or concepts taken from any part of the universe, its people and environment.   Others, like what is known as “Ole Mas” are more satirical send messages or make fun of political and public people in the society.  

The other distinct set of Trinbagonians are the ones who don’t play mas ever, they much prefer and enjoy looking at mas.  They can be seen in the streets, in bleachers in the parks, hanging from windows enjoying the Carnival.  They love the sights, sounds and colors of carnival.  Many believe that if they “played mas” they would never see all that they can when they look at everyone else.   Many of these people will never play mas.  

Then there is the gray area of people who would play but for some reason or the other decided they could not.  These people usually describe themselves as having a sickening feeling about Carnival when they can’t play.  In extreme cases, they refuse to go look at the other masqueraders because they feel sick to the stomach.

So there we have it, my musings on Carnival agree or disagree, but this subjective.

Is Montano Sentence Unfair?

Mr. Herbert Volney (Former Justice Minister)

How justice works in Trinidad and Tobago.  Swift & Sure

Most Trinbagonians know that Machel Montano was slapped on the wrist after his conviction on 5 charges which included assault and battery and using obscene language.

But let's face it, that was expected.

 If you have been following the case for any time you would come to the conclusion that there are 2 set of justices in TnT. According to Mr. Herbert Volney, past Justice Minister, big mouth with an axe to grind. He is calling for a judicial review of the sentencing by the DPP. Read his position here Express Article

The articles states that "Section 30 of the Offences Against the Person Act, Chapter 11:08 provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of five years for the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm for which Montano was convicted"

 After Carnival Montano publicly apologized to the victims of the fracas. In my opinion, it was a totally lame apology. It was more of an insult than an apology.  He said that now that the hectic Carnival season was over he could now deal with this and he was sorry for something but not really for his behavior.

Now the victims learn that because of Justice delayed, it is now too late to sue for civil damages.  Express Article.


Do you have an opinion on this or with what was said by Mr. Volney?

Let's hear your position on this.

Marketing Carnival to the World

Is Carnival  “The Greatest Show On Earth”?

This post was written in response to an article in a Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Newspaper credited to the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce.  You will agree with me at the end of this post that the article got it all wrong.

A link to the article is below.

 The headline read;   "The Marketing Potential of Carnival”  

As a marketer the headline pulled me in but it did not deliver what I expected. The headline suggested that there would be strategic solution to marketing Carnival to the world as an art form.  

 Instead it took the reader on a tangent that seemed farfetched.  Honestly, I really hate writing anything that contradicts another writer.  I understand that writing is not an easy task.  But as a writer I know that some things need to be said in this case I assume the responsibility to say it.  To offer a different perspective, a new view point. Marketing culture is very important and could be a challenge if a real difference cannot be identified.

The author suggested that marketing Carnival should focus on our ethnic  foods.  The article pointed out that all the islands in the Caribbean archipelago offer the same sun, sand and sea.  Trinidad and Tobago had to be different and we can do that by marketing our foods. And here's why...

It cited as proof the popular North American food channel that rated our “Bake and Shark” as a mouth watering and gave it an obscure award.  It suggested that the desire for that special Caribbean flavor could attract more tourists for Carnival.  

Interesting concept, considering the source but to say the least it's an absolutely unworkable proposition.  

Imagine a TnT government ad "Come to Trinidad for Award Winning Foods"

Differentiate we must.  That's why Carnival was labeled as “The Greatest Show On Earth”.  Whoever coined the term had hit on something.  It has been the standard description of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. It worked before the advent of the internet.  It needs to tweaked now.

The relevant government ministry should re-examine its marketing position of the claim.  The Greatest Show On Earth does not stand up to close scrutiny.   

For example, “Greatest” could be quantified by the number of foreign visitors Carnival attracts annually.  Last year a minister in the government estimated that 220,000 visitors came to partake in the festivities.  Seemed high but that’s another post. 

Let’s assume that it was true, and compare it to the number of visitors to Brazil’s Carnival estimated last year at 5.3 million.  Trinidad and Tobago Carnival does not even come close.

Is the claim that TnT Carnival is the Greatest Show on Earth true?

A claim that we can prove is that Trinidad and Tobago has the “Biggest Party in the Caribbean”.  That claim is a much easier sell than what exists now. 

Maybe the rest of the Caribbean would competes with each other to attract tourists but Trinidad and Tobago can compete on a much different level.  

Answer this: 

Which other island has created its own musical instrument?

Which other Caribbean island excluding Jamaica has its own vocal art form?

Which other island or country in the Western Hemisphere host a party that is as big as TnT Carnival?

Sorry, the other Caribbean islands should not be considered competitors. What is a reasonable claim is that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is quite literally the “Biggest Party In The Caribbean”

Brazil show is grander in terms of number of visitors and their ability to produce ingeniously creative masterpiece costumes may or may not compare However, in terms of a party mentality, Trinidad and Tobago stands alone.  Party is wired to the Trinbagonian psyche.  Instead of making a false claim, TnT should sell is what already exists.  

Which country, in the Caribbean or indeed in the world, has set aside two full days to party in every major city? 

A country where partying is not restricted to the evening or afternoon, You can begin to party from as early as 10 AM or 10 PM to 7 the next morning.  Carnival is a party with numerous pre parties that start at least three days before it Carnival begins. A country where noise pollution is expected and even condone by the law enforcement authorities. 

A perfect place to visit but...  The tourist haven where the only real concern is getting a decent, safe place to sleep.   

Upon awakening, they can be assured that somewhere in TnT there is a party they could attend. Trinbagonians work to party.  Food, of course, is always  integral to any party.  Would you invite a friend to your house for food if you are having a party?

The point is that the only way to market Carnival is with integrity.  It’s not the Greatest Show on Earth it is the Biggest Party in the Caribbean or maybe even in the Western Hemisphere. 

This slight repositioning will open up a doorway to a more sustainable marketable demographic with more disposable income; the younger generation.  

This new strategy could ramp up the number of visitors.  Based on the numbers we will never be the Greatest Show in The World but we do have teh infrastructure to host the "The Partyingest Biggest Party in the Caribbean. 

What do you think?

Read the article that started all this here.