The village setting of yesteryear came back to life on February 27, as The Old Yard (formerly Viey la Cou) took place at the Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) at UWI, St Augustine. The centre was transformed, complete with Parlour, Market and Rum Shop, creating a colourful backdrop for open-air performances by traditional Carnival characters. The event attracted a large crowd of young and old patrons who came out to enjoy a taste of T&T Carnival culture, the way it used to be.
Ole mas and traditional mas characters, like Dame Lorraine and Baby Doll, were seen interacting with patrons, while in the main arena Dragons, Jab Molassies and more took center stage. Children screamed and adults paid up in a hurry, as characters playfully threatened. There were culinary treats on sale, as well as art and craft items, as well as clothing.
This year's Old Yard also featured charming traditional mas from Guyana's Carnival tradition, including Mad Bulls, Long Lady, Fowl Cock and Hen, and Bum Bum, led by designer Adrian Waldron, whose award-winning band Jokers Gone Wild has made its mark in that country over several years. Haitian Ra Ra dancers were also featured, ahead of the DCFA's J'Ouvert presentation, Jouvay Ayiti. There was also live music for the audience's enjoyment, as David Bereaux led his band of musicians in some vintage-flavoured calypso.