 |  CarnivalCam 98 |
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| CarnivalCam 98 |
| Carnival is over. My decision rests: I have never had so much fun! The numerous events that I attended, including Carnival Monday and Tuesday set the stage on fire for this foreign merrymaker. I quickly discovered that on Dominica, Carnival fever is contagious! In late January I kicked off Carnival season by attending a jump (dance) sponsored by Carnival Corner. It featured the Swinging Stars, one of Dominica's oldest bands. The Springfield Guest House was a lovely venue for the large gathering, who thoroughly enjoyed the pulsating rhythms of many of the country's most popular songs. |
Hundreds of people lined the streets for the Opening Parade on January 30th. Although it started late, no one was disappointed with the spectacle. The colorful costumes, pounding beat bellowing from the hi-fi trucks, show stopping flag-wavers and cheerleaders, ever- popular lapo kabwit (goat-skin) drummers, the elegant Carnival Queen contestants passing by on decorated floats set the stage for the follow-up show at Festival City. Families laughed and conversed about the parade, admired the performances of the athletic cheerleaders and speculated about who would be Miss Dominica '99.
About a week later, I attended a peaceful pan (steel band) show on Roseau's Bay Front. The appreciative crowd included parents, children, young, old and several enthralled foreigners like me. For a few hours, we swayed to the soothing sounds of these polished performers.
Next night, I entered the charged atmosphere at the Sisserou Hotel for the Stardom King of the Tent Calypso Competition. As this was the last performance before the Calypso Monarch Final, the contestants did not disappoint. A packed crowd rocked to the rhythms and sang along with the performers, whose songs advised the listeners about current problematic situations in their country. When the show ended in the wee hours, Scrunter was the winner, although my favorite was De Brakes. I was pleased to see a couple of female calypsonians on the stage. The crush of people was almost overwhelming, but everyone remained focussed on having fun.
As this was the second time that I had attended the National Queen Show, I already knew that I would enjoy the costumes, swim-suit and evening wear competitions and talent show. I was particularly intrigued by the difficult questions that were posed to the participants and the skill in which they delivered their responses under such tremendous pressure. Miss Trafalgar emerged the overall winner, but I applaud all of the young ladies for a hard job well done.
On Sunday afternoon (dimanche gras), the Rotary Club's Punch Party at Castaways Hotel prepared everyone for the next few days of revelry. A swim in the sea, plentiful conversation with friends old and new, good food and an energetic jump to the sensational sounds of always popular band WCK provided the perfect introduction to Carnival fever. This was only the prelude for WCK's continued show at a huge warehouse at Woodford Bay terminal. There, they performed long into the night, along with another favorite Dominican group, First Serenade.
Although I slipped home to catch a couple of hours of sleep, I did manage to experience the final hour of J'ouvert, the pre-dawn Carnival "warm-up" in Roseau. With two friends, I chipped (moved along to the beat) of the blasting sounds emanating from the hi-fi truck ahead of me. Some people were costumed, some men dressed in drag, there were a few sensational sensay costumes on the street - but most just moved to the music with plastic cups of beer or rum in hand. Just after 8 a.m., this informal celebration stopped in order to prepare for the Parade of Costume Bands.
From my superb second floor vantage point at Cornerhouse Café above Old and King George V Streets, I admired the brilliant splashes of color provided by the bands such as Carnival Corner, Thunderbirds, the little folks at Pioneer School, flag wavers, cheerleaders and the Queen Contestants in their traditional and magnificent costumes. Many of the disguises reflected themes associated with this Nature Island, such as flowers, trees, plants, sun, the sea and much more. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets. By late morning, many joined the parade. Just after 1 p.m. the assembly broke for lunch and did not resume until about 5:30 p.m. However, people waited patiently through the long, hot afternoon. Finally, they were rewarded when the hi-fi trucks containing WCK and First Serenade started up for an evening of chipping, jumping and good times on the road, both behind and in front of the bands' trucks. I got completely caught up in it. My tired feet refused to quit. The music and reveling was so infectious. By 11 p.m., the streets were relatively quiet and I had a good rest in preparation for Tuesday's later start.
 | By noon next day, the Old Street Posse (crowd) headed off the festivities with their bright t-shirts, bountiful balloons and huge contained gathering of participants all chipping to the hi-fi truck just behind them. Stilt-walkers were spectacular. What a show of agility and balance! The multitude of brilliant Sensay Costumes, originally representative of African deities in spiritual ceremonies, were absolutely dazzling. The thick layers of cloth, or plastic strips, or burlap were cleverly constructed, but must have been excessively hot. No doubt the Kubuli beer float helped to quench the thirst of those participants, among others. The fearsome masks with horns made the child in me tremble in my shoes! |
That steamy afternoon seemed endless. A kind Dominican family provided me and my friends with some respite from the sun on their covered porch. An offer of drinks and the use of their facilities demonstrated the sincere hospitality of people in this country.
As the gathering grew and blended into the street parade, dozens of heads bobbed down Queen Mary Street to the beat of the latest Carnival and Calypso songs. Although a few young men started to get a bit rowdy, plentiful police officers quickly intervened and calm was restored.
The final evening concluded with merrymaking around the bands in the big hi-fi trucks. Swinging Stars, my favorite group, appeared on the scene as well as WCK and First Serenade. Dominica is blessed with such marvelously talented musicians who know how to entertain a crowd and leave everyone in high spirits.
I will not soon forget the exceptional fun that I experienced at Mas Domnik. The pageantry, spontaneity, and sheer joy all around has infused me with happy memories. I am certain to feel fine for the rest of '99.
© Gwen Whitford 1999