Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2017 Crowns Its King and Queen · Global Voices
Gloria Dallsingh portrays “Glamour Queen” for the band Kallicharan Carnival. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival prides itself on its traditional masquerade, but Carnival lovers are just as appreciative of the “big” mas — the incredible and often massive costumes that compete for the coveted titles of King and Queen of Carnival. Not only are they works of art; they are also feats of engineering!
These individual costumes are usually part of larger Carnival bands, which each have their following and portray different themes from year to year. Widely shared on Facebook, here's a quick look at some of the beauties that photographer <PERSON> captured as they crossed the main stage at the country's Carnival mecca, the Queen's Park Savannah, for Carnival 2017.
Other countries, different cultures
Carnival is an escape from the rigors of everyday life. Many Carnival King and <PERSON> contenders transport spectators to other lands (Africa, China, Arabia) and other worlds (enchanted rainforests and underwater kingdoms). Either way, you are immersed.
“Wings of Africa” portrayed by <PERSON>; photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
<PERSON> portrayal of “The Yellow Emperor And The Winged Dragons”, for the band “Chinese Dynasty”. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
The beauty of Trinidad and Tobago
Some costumes this year represented various aspects of life in Trinidad and Tobago. “Down de islands” (DDI), for instance, depicted in the portrayal below, refers to an idyllic cluster of islands off the north west coast of Trinidad that is home to the country's boating industry. It is also a favourite domestic tourism getaway.
<PERSON> portrays “Down The Islands” for the band Soar! Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
The 2007 King and <PERSON> contenders also included a nod to the country's national instrument, the steel pan, which was birthed in Trinidad and Tobago and is the only surviving non-electronic instrument to have been invented in the 20th century.
<PERSON> portrays “Musical Vibrations” in the Fancy Sailor category for the band “Swirls!” Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
There was also a modern take on the Midnight Robber, one of the most iconic traditional Carnival characters. 264
Reminiscent of a bad-guy cowboy with his wide-brimmed, fringed hat, the robber is very flamboyant, sporting a cape that goes well with his signature “robber talk”, which is rather highbrow and quotes liberally from biblical verses, Shakespearean monologues and other famous literary sources. The character typically uses props (fake pistols, swords and even miniature coffins) to enhance his intimidation quotient.
Masquerader <PERSON> portraying a costume entitled “Doodad Daddy”. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Social commentary
Other portrayals depicted topics of interest — social, political and otherwise — with originality and a bit of humour. The Zika threat in the region and the election of U.S. President <PERSON> were just two of the issues covered.
<PERSON> as “De Injector”; photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
<PERSON> “Category 5 – Hurricane Trump” for the band “D’ Element – Earth, Wind and Fire”. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
Fancy Indian mas
This is one aspect of traditional Carnival that maintains its allure year in and year out. Featuring colourful and elaborate headdresses adorned with hundreds of feathers, the more modern King and <PERSON> costumes for these bands are expensive to make, due to their sheer size and the materials used. The most popular bands of this genre tend to spring from south Trinidad, with longtime band designer Kallicharan leading the charge.
“Lady in Blue” is portrayed by <PERSON> for the band “Kallicharan Carnival”. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
<PERSON> portrays “Monia Haka – Out of the Ashes” for the band “San Fernando Heartbeat”. Photo by <PERSON>, used with permission.
<PERSON> “Queen Chirapaq – A Tribute to <PERSON>” for the band “Lionel Jagessar and Associates”; it eventually placed third in the Queen's competition. 264