"Once upon a time, Carnival was an expression of rebellion," reminisces Aldrick, the central figure in Earl Lovelace's novel The Dragon Can't Dance.Every year as Carnival Monday and Tuesday approach, our local culture–as seen in the letter pages and commentaries of local dailies–is full of voices sharing Aldrick's sense of loss as people lament what Carnival once was to them.
There is little doubt on one level that this sense of loss is real and tangible. In Port-of-Spain, bikini-and-beads pretty mas has drowned out–and in many ways, forced off the street–the old-time traditional mas characters.
The bats and sailors, the robbers and dame lorraines, the fancy Indians and dragon bands, amongst many others–all with their variety of rituals and unique quirks of character–have been removed from the road. During the main festival in Port-of-Spain, we now only see a sprinkle. Yes, the odd band of traditional characters still woos lucky onlookers, but their central role on the streets of our capital is vastly different from the past.
Of course, away from the main parade in Port-of-Spain, old-time characters still live on in various spaces. You can find them in Viey la Cou or in various towns and villages across T&T. Earlier this week, for example, the Guardian ran a story on Couva mas and the organisers' desire to focus on jab jab presentations.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/digital/new-members