The Smart Travel Guide

Carnival in Carriacou takes place every year, is held from the weekend before the start of the Christian Lenten period and lasts for two days. It is held in the Island of Carriacou and everyone can join for free. These carnival includes calypso competitions, and the parade of brightly costumed masqueraders through the streets of the main villages. In 2008, this event takes place from the 4th to 6th of February.

A fact that makes this celebration a unique one is the ‘battle of wits’, called Shakespeare Mas where Peirrots engage themselves in a this ‘battle of wits’ based on Shakespeare’s plays. The competitor without a quick reply earns a playful stroke from his opponent’s stick.

Part of the tradition involves smearing paint, mud, or oil on the participants known as Jab Jabs. This is done in remembrance of a civil disturbance in Port of Spain, Trinidad, when the people smeared themselves with oil to avoid being recognized.

Next morning people gather again after a short sleep, even though many revellers go on through the entire carnival without ever resting.

Carnival Day One

• J’Ouvert Sometime after midnight, usually around 4 till dawn.
• Day parade and dancing in the streets from around 12 till late.

Carnival Day Two

• Pretty Mas.

From around 11 till six

People wear Carnival costumes, often in groups wearing identical clothes.

Tags: carnival, celebration

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