Masqueraders made their way across Victoria Square, Port-of-Spain, yesterday in a spectacular display of colour and splendour. But at some points, police had to force overzealous onlookers back as they crowded the parade area.
Hundreds of onlookers danced in the streets and looked on as the bands filed pass judges.
The two songs that dominated from mid-morning until late afternoon were the Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous and Bunji Garlin hit Famalay and Kees Dieffenthaller’s Savannah Grass.
Before lunch, Tribal Connection Cultural Promotion passed in front of the judges.
This band was followed by Jus Wee and Friends with their presentation Imagine, which was inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono's international hit from 1971 of the same name.
Carnival band Bliss crossed after lunch.
Other notables included Legacy with their presentation Colour Me Carnival which celebrated the rich creativity and unbridled spirit manifested in T&T.
Both locals and tourists enjoyed the performance of the masqueraders yesterday. There were tourists on the streets waving their national flags in support, including such places as the United States, Barbados and Venezuela.
Around 3 pm, however, police on horseback had to push onlookers back onto the pavement, advising them that the masqueraders needed more space on the street to make their way in front of the judges.
Bands continued to file pass judges late into the evening.