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| Our Opinion... A spectacular Caribbean extravaganza that's been hidden under a bushel of poor pressPhotos courtesy MayaroBeach.com and TriniJungleJuice.com |
In the months and weeks before Lent volumes are written about Rio De Janeiro Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras. But, very little will be published in the international media about Trinidad Carnival. This begs the question...
Which is the most influential carnival in the New World?
Media Coverage & Tourist Volume
If you were to judge based upon media coverage alone, particularly in North America, you would have to assume that Rio De Janeiro Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras are the top contenders for best carnival because coverage of Trinidad Carnival is almost non existent.
If you were to form an opinion using the number of tourists who visit each event, then perhaps Rio De Janeiro Carnival might have the edge on the world's greatest show claim.
Rio De Janeiro Carnival is, without doubt, a highly organized, spectator friendly show that is watched by thousands of visitors.
The Player Paradigm
However, what if you use the number of people who actually participate in a particular style of carnival, world wide, as the criteria to determine which is the World's Greatest Carnival?
Unlike the Rio De Janeiro Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras, Trinidad style Carnival is the model for Caribbean carnivals including Jamaica and Barbados.
Furthermore, Trinidad Carnival has been introduced to major cities around the world including Miami, New York, Boston, Toronto and London to name a few, and it has even been introduced to the Africam nation of Uganda.
Notting Hill Carnival in London has the distinction of being recognized as the largest street fair in Europe. Yet, talk with anyone who participates in these festivals and they will tell you that Trinidad Carnival is the World's greatest carnival.
Trinidad is to Caribbean style carnivals, what Paris is to fashion. None of it's offspring can compare with the spectacle, the fire, the unfettered freedom and the share exuberance of Trinidad mas'.
Re-exporting Carnival
In the same way that carnival came to the new world, with Catholic immigrants, so too has Trinidad Carnival been introduced to the USA, Canada and back into Europe, with the influx of West Indian immigrants into those countries.
From this perspective, you begin to get a very different picture. The number of people who enjoy and actually participate in Trinidad style carnival, worldwide, is staggering... and it's growing.
While Trinidad Carnival has, in recent years, been influenced by Rio's, an influence that can be seen in the high degree of bikini clad masqueraders on the streets today, it's roots are still very evident during Jouvert and in the costumes of talented designers like Brian Mac Farlane.
But Trinidad Carnival stands out because it remains primarily about participation, there are no floats, and all costumes must be carried by the masquerader. Experience Trinidad Carnival once and you're hooked.
It’s All About You
The focus of Trinidad Carnival is the reveler who purchases the costume, and not on the spectator. Today's Carnival costumes are cool, sexy and comfortable enough to play mas' in for 2 full days. And guess what? You are encouraged to join a Trinidad Carnival band. It's all about the party, playing mas', being in the moment and living life, not sitting on the sidelines, watching it.
Revolutionary Concept
A revolutionary concept, isn't it, to participate in a culture instead of being and observer? And if you choose to be a spectator, you can get right in amongst the revelers to take your pictures. Again, interacting with real people while having the time of your life, what an extraordinary travel concept. And even though Carnival can get a little raucous and even suggestive at times, it is just good clean fun.
Amazing Costume Designers
Trinidad has some extremely talented costume designers. Peter Minchell and Brian Mac Farlane to name just two.
Brian Mac Farlane won Band of the Year, yet again, in 2008, with his creation "Earth", and his 2009 presentation "Africa" promises similar acclaim.
Peter Minchell designed the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, after revolutionizing Carnival costume design and dominating Carnival competitions in Trinidad for many years.
The accomplishments of both of these creative giants are too numerous to list here, but it should be said that they are both more than capable of competing on the world stage. So...
The Real Carnival Questions are...
Does carnival in Trinidad qualify as a world-class event?
The answer, I believe, is a resounding, YES!
Does Trinidad Carnival merit the title of Worlds Greatest Show?
Absolutely! In many ways Trinidad Carnival is mother to a worldwide explosion of new Carnivals, it's arguably the most enjoyable, possibly the safest, and definitely the purest expression of freedom available on the planet. So yes, in our opinion it easly merits the title of the World's Greatest Show.
International Media... Take Note!
Does the world deserve the opportunity to know more about this exciting festival?
You bet it should. That's another, most definite, YES!
This is an experience that everyone should have at least once, and anyone who has experienced the share flamboyance, unfettered freedom and fiery fun of Trinidad's Carnival will know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that it deserves greater international acclaim as the World's Greatest Show.
Should it receive as much media coverage as Rio De Janeiro Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras?
Well, answer this one for yourself...
Over 90% of the world doesn't even know that Trinidad Carnival exists, let alone that they are welcome to take part in on of the World's greatest celebrations.
Consequently, carnival in Trinidad sits like an unopened pearl waiting to be discovered by millions: women who would glory in the chance to get all-glammed-up for 2 days like a Las Vegas showgirl, men who would revel in the muted mayhem of Jouvert celebrations; vacationers looking for a unique adventure, explorers who would be overjoyed to take part in what is unquestionably the World's greatest street party.
What's YOUR Opinion?
We know you are itching to voice your opinion. Tell us what you think... Is Trinidad Carnival is The World's Greatest Show? How well does carnival in Trinidad compare with Rio De Janeiro Carnival, New Orleans Mardi Gras, or any other carnival for that matter?
Read what other visitors have said, or tell us about your incredible carnival experience. Here's your chance to big-up Trini Carnival, or vote for your World's Greatest Show contender... Either way, we'll include your opinions below...
Tell us what YOU think...
Which Carnival Deserves the Title... |
The World's Greatest Show?
Tell us YOUR thoughts...
Is it Trinidad Carnival? Is it Carnival in Rio De Janeiro? Is it New Orleans Mardi Gras? Or is it some other event the World's Greatest Show? What has been your greatest carnival experience? Compare diffrent carnival experiences.
Our readers are dying to know what YOU think...
