Carnival
From Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans to Notting Hill, many cities brag of stunning Carnival celebrations. Nothing, however, compares to the thrills, excitement, drama, and real art of making mas' in Trinidad and Tobago. Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago last two days and is not an official public holiday, but it seems like it since practically everyone is out on the streets dancing, 'jumping up,' 'wining down,' and generally having a good time. These raucous parties were, believe it or not, religious in nature, as revelers were given one final chance to enjoy themselves before the rigors of the Lenten season. The 'bacchanal' began in this manner, as a tribute to the deity Bacchus, Lord of Wine and Revelry.
A national event was once a wild frenzy reserved for the masses, with the upper classes opting to observe rather than participate. Many of our traditional Carnival characters, such as Dame Lorraine (a well-endowed woman), Jab Jab (a devil-like creation that would threaten you jokingly with horns and a three-pronged fork), Pierrot Grenade (like a Greek chorus, commenting on current issues in rhyme), and Midnight Robber, all of which are still popular portrayals to this day, were born during these days.
Although Carnival is strictly defined as the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, the festivities begin just after Christmas – since there is nothing strict about Carnival. Radio stations start blasting the newest tunes of the next season - the season of the body - almost as soon as the holy observance of Christmas Day is completed. In reality, the phrase Carnival comes from the Latin Carne Vale, which means "farewell to the flesh."
