Take ah jump, start to wave, start ah wine, it's CARNIVAL!!!!

Caribbean Carnival is a basically a season of festivities that can last anywhere from May - March, varying depending on the country or state it is in.  But on a more basic note, it is THE MOST FUN TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!!! And it's also a great look into the Caribbean culture, so I think the topic fits perfectly in our class.  You can listen to the music, admire the art, try food from Jamaica to Trinidad, and meet new people from all around.

I go to Miami Carnival every year, and sometimes play mas (dress in costume to be part of the parade) when I have enough money.  This year, my friends and I simply made shirts and went to the events surrounding Carnival.  These events include Jouvert, a water and paint party, and Wet Fete, just a water party.  Every club caters to Carnival weekend by playing soca, calypso and reggae music, despite what its usual playlist contains.  

Jouvert

playin mas

Carnival 2010 (Palance is a dance but it really means to party, dance, have fun and be free)

Palance Music Video

People from all over the Caribbean fly into Miami just to come to this festival, and many people follow it around, going everywhere it goes since it's in a different place every weekend.  I hope to be able to do this one day because I want to experience it in places like Canada and especially in Trinidad and Tobago, where it originated.  It's very important to the culture because it's a time, when no matter what's going on, you can relax, take pride in your culture and have fun.  Every year has a different theme, and when Carnival is not going on, everyone is preparing for it.

Carnival actually originated as a religious festival that took place before Lent, so it has a lot of interesting history behind it.  I think everyone should attend Carnival at least once in their lifetime, and more importantly PALANCE whenever you can! :)