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Julianspromos. (2016, December 06). Ultimate Rejects - Full Extreme "2017 Soca" (Trinidad). Retrieved April 15, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd8_zvKhtN8

Worldwide Travel Photography. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://blaineharrington.photoshelter.com

The Birth & Evolution of Trinidad Carnival. (2017, March 02). Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://www.discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/The-Birth-Evolution-of-Trinidad-Carnival/109/3/32#axzz4emhWgBrn

Green, G. L. (2007). “Come To Life”: Authenticity, Value, And The Carnival As Cultural Commodity In Trinidad And Tobago. Identities, 14(1-2), 203-224. doi:10.1080/10702890601102670

Daly, M. (n.d.). Daly: T&T Carnival is becoming the Greatest Pappyshow on Earth. Retrieved April 14, 2017, from http://wired868.com/2017/03/05/daly-tt-carnival-is-becoming-the-greatest-pappyshow-on-earth/comment-page-1

Liverpool, H. U. (1998). Origins of Rituals and Customs in the Trinidad Carnival: African or European? TDR/The Drama Review, 42(3), 24-37. doi:10.1162/105420498760308427

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Carnival is a fascinating occasion. It captivates individuals from all across the region and the world. The amazing thing about Carnival is that everyone can take part. Everyone can be included in the revelry, the excitement and the liberation of the festival. Trinidad and Tobago, as well as other Caribbean countries contain people from many walks of life, and no matter what age, gender, race, ethnicity etc., anyone is welcomed to enjoy it. Carnival and its affiliated events, traditions, music and costumes help to bring citizens together. Since modern Carnival is not pertain to one specific group of people, many different types of people take full advantage of this festival. It allows Caribbean people of different races to be free from the chains of everyday life, and appreciate the liberation from the chains of slavery and Indentureship. Furthermore, Carnival is not just an important social factor, but also a great economic factor and source of revenue for Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries. Carnival attracts tourists from different parts of the world who want to experience an exhilarating vacation. Tourism not only allows us to showcase our culture, but also provides jobs for many persons, it is a source of increasing foreign exchange, and also allows us to learn about other cultures.

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One cannot talk about Trinbago Carnival without mentioning the music that blasts throughout the nation during this period. Soca, and calypso, and chutney soca are popular genres, not just in Trinidad and Tobago, but in the region. Soca usually has an upbeat tempo and tempts one to dance and release all inhibitions. Some soca songs express quite patriotic views and the love for this festival, Carnival. Lately, soca has evolved and adopted a more EDM (electronic house music) vibe.
Calypso is a slower music form, some of which also allows one to dance along with the rhythm, and some with a more commentary-type side. In the latter, artistes use the form as a vehicle for social and political commentary. This typically is sang during Extempo competitions.
In addition to this playlist, chutney soca is featured. This genre is a hybrid of Indian music and soca. Some have quite comical themes and personas. All these genres are quite enjoyable and perfect for the festival of Carnival as they emphasize the up-beat, freeing atmosphere; quite up-keeping with the traditions of the West African slaves.

Below is a lyrics video of a very popular 2016 Soca, "Ultimate Rejects".

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Ultimate Rejects - Full Extreme "2017 Soca" (Trinidad)

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Official] http://Julianspromos.com / Subscribe: http://tiny.cc/YTubeSubscribe | Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7cRPmS5EeTdWPjgNiDep8e Produced by : Ultimate Rejects Performed by : Ultimate Rejects Written by : Ultimate Rejects Mixed and Mastered by : Ultimate Rejects For Email Blasting & Advertising costs contact: Julianspromos@gmail.com or 1-718-431-5410 (Chandy) Join Mailing List: http://tiny.cc/MailingLists (Like)http://facebook.com/JulianspromosTV Email: Julianspromos@gmail.com http://www.UbersocaCruise.com http://facebook.com/julianspromos (Personal Page) http://instagram.com/Julianspromos | @Julianspromos View Featured Advertised Events: http://tiny.cc/FeaturedEvents

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The Program and Personalities: Carnival Tuesday

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The Program and Personalities: Carnival Tuesday

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Carnival Tuesday is perhaps the more colourful of the two days. On this day, masqueraders come out in their costumes and parade around the streets, showcasing their vibrant plumes and beads in a jovial, carefree manner. Many people dress up in costumes and partake in events which portray messages of the past and present. For example, the “Dame Lorraine” features a character, typically played by a man who is dressed as a voluptuous woman, which echoes the style of the French aristocratic women of the 18th century. The “Moko Jumbie” is another character, “moko” means “diviner” in the Congo language and “jumbie” or ghost was added by the freed slaves. The costume consisted of a person on stilts standing between 10-12 feet high, and is “possesses” the ability to foresee evil.

Both days are characterised by loud, fast-paced music, heavy gyration, and a huge display of freedom. Persons of many different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds come out to enjoy in a time where one can simply let loose and enjoy oneself. However, most people seem to lose sight of the origins and traditions of Carnival. The most popular portions of Carnival are J’ouvert and Mas, and less people, especially of the younger generation take part in the traditional events such as stick fighting and dressing in costumes that are intended to portray a message. Modern Carnival is now basically a show to attract tourists and over the years, has deviated from its origins increasingly. While there are those who do participate in the traditional practices of Carnival, the appreciation and knowledge of the practices has diminished. Carnival is moving closer to a tourist commodity and less of a historical tradition (Garth 2002, 2007).

The image features and exuberant display of masqueraders parading in Port of Spain (2006).

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The Program and Personalities: Carnival Monday (and Sunday)

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The Program and Personalities: Carnival Monday (and Sunday)

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Although Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago officially starts on Carnival Monday, it begins days before that for many Trinbagonians. Various concerts, fetes and competitions are held weeks prior to this large celebration. One such competition is ‘Dimanche Gras’, held on the Sunday night before Carnival or Carnival Sunday. In this competition, masqueraders battle for the title of the King and Queen of Carnival. However in recent years, attendance and participation in this event has decreased (Blood, 2017).

Carnival Monday morning the streets and the sea of people in it are covered in mud and oil paint in an event called “J’ouvert”. The term “J’ouvert” means “break of day” and is reflective of the Camboulay as they both begin quite early in the morning. Paint and mud plastered all over the bodies and faces of participants are also reminiscent of the African Slaves mimicry of the white masters. Another procession on this day is “Ole Mas” which consists of persons dressed in old, usually tattered clothing, carrying placards displaying puns and comical commentary of social and political issues. This practice is truly congruent with the satire displayed by the slaves against the planters.

The picture shown is an image of a friend and myself during J'ouvert 2016.

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Dating back to the 18th century, specifically in the 1780’s, Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago started with the French white planters who staged large masquerade balls, extending from Christmas to Ash Wednesday, which consisted of elegant dinners, concerts and hunting parties.  The West African slaves, in acts of satire, created their own Carnival around this period, mimicking their masters. They also upheld a tradition called cannes bruleés or ‘Canboulay’/ ‘Camboulay’ which centred the burning and harvesting of the sugar cane. After Emancipation in 1838, this act became a symbol of freedom and defiance against the oppressive system of slavery and the white slave masters. However, the British colonial government sought to ban African-derived religions, and Carnival practices of the slaves such as drumming, masquerading, stickfighting, and even the steelpan, as a response. But this suppression of Carnival was far from permanent. And today, we enjoy these wonderful, vivid festivities, revelling in the freedom and “bacchanal” that is Trinidad and Tobago (or Trinbago) Carnival. In Trinidad and Tobago today, Carnival is usually held in February or May for two days- Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday and is followed by Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lenten Season before Easter. The illustration below depicts 18th century West African slaves partaking in their Carnival celebrations, mimicking the French by adorning themselves in more decorous clothing and face masks.

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Personal Reflection of Caribbean Civilisation...

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Personal Reflection of Caribbean Civilisation...

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Now that the journey that is Caribbean Civilisation has ended, I have had time to reflect on how this course has impacted upon me. At first I was doubtful of the course, expecting it to be a repeat of CSEC History and CAPE Caribbean Studies. And while that is true to a certain extent, it also instilled in me new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the Caribbean and its rich history. I have always been interested in learning about the Caribbean, its origins and its present, and this course has boosted that interest. This course has allowed me to interact with students from across the region and has granted me the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of their countries and cultures, and of our similarities and differences. Moreover, the quest for historical knowledge through my personal field trip in fulfilment of the first assignment was definitely an exhilarating and unforgettable one.

I am also appreciative of the method by which the lessons were taught. As a person who loves music, that of the Caribbean, I was quite entertained by the music videos included at the beginning of each plenaries. Furthermore, the fact that the lectures and tutorials were online made it easier and more bearable to attend. In terms of actual learning material, I appreciate how this course has not only taught me about the Caribbean, but also how to apply what was learnt to society and observe how the Caribbean was forged (especially by its history), and how to analyse society and form my own opinions and about the Caribbean, its past and its present.

To conclude, I viewed this course as an enjoyable and enlightening one. The knowledge I have obtained will be useful for me in prospect, not necessarily academically, but in everyday life.

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Culture refers to common characteristics, such as the beliefs, behaviours and objects, of a particular group or society. According Linton (1945), it is a way of life for its members, a gathering of routines and ideas that are shared and conveyed to further generations. Caribbean islands are homes to vast astonishing, vibrant, expressive cultures. Trinidad and Tobago are examples of such culturally-rich islands. This pair of multicultural twin islands have been bestowed with individuals of many different racial backgrounds, and therefore with copious festivals and musical genres, in particular, the festival of Carnival, and associative music, such as soca, calypso and chutney soca. In this presentation, Carnival and its traditions will be highlighted- from past to present.