THE JAMAICA CARNIVAL Road Parade was without a proper costume parade this year but not lacking in fun and excitement. There were costumes of course, a few dancing mobiles inspired by Trinidad Carnival led the parade, others, worn by dancing girls from Brazil, floated on one of the trucks, while few others dotted sections of the march. Besides the 'dancing mobiles', the costumes were not particularly impressive.
'Affordable carnival attire'
Instead of the traditional carnival costumes, revellers were content to wear the 'affordable carnival attire' which actually transltes to a T-shirt, mask and beads, similiar to the Mardi Gras celebrtions in New Orleans USA. Revellers were encouraged to do what they would with the T-shirts to create an eye-catching design. And the revellers, it appears, did just that. Shirts were cut-out in many different styles: backless, off-shoulder, belly baring and cutwork work all features of the designs. Some shirts were even adorned with the beads that formed sleeves, frills and straps.
But the revellers proved that you really do not need a costume to thoroughly enjoy yourself. That is what Jamaica Carnival was about- a public display of how to let it all hang out for all to see, for at least one day. Revellers came from all walks of life, from across Jamaica to jump up in carnival. And perhaps because both those who were officially signed up with the different bands and those who were not looked almost the same, it was easy for everyone to mingle and 'wine behind the big truck'. Even the roller skate association from Portmore managed to create a space behind the Appleton Jamaica Rum truck. They offered their own brand of entertainment as they whirled and danced to both the soca and dancehall music that was being pumped from the trucks. Even the ghosts and ghouls from Haloween celebrations offered their services for entertainment.
Other attractions
The white-faced, pink tongued slayer from I Know What You did Last Summer/Scary Movie, ran through the crowd and provided one of the many other attractions for the dancing crowd. Even a costume reportedly from 'about 20 years ago' came out of the closet to be worn by a female teacher from England. She was covered fron head to toe in a motley outfit complete with a veil which covered the face of the wearer. The parade offered an interesting look back from whence carnival came and where it is heading.
