Unlike previous years when spectators waited for hours to see a small band pass through the streets of San Fernando, this year’s J’Ouvert celebration turned out to be a massive showing of masqueraders who took the city by storm.
Most of the 32 bands crossed the judging point at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) with masqueraders outnumbering spectators.
There were all the ingredients that made J’Ouvert celebration one of the most enjoyed events for Trinidadians: Drunken revelry, costumes, paint, water and soca music that was dominated by the Ultimate Rejects’ Road March contending song, Full Extreme.
Machel Montano’s Beat it and Iwer George’s Take ah Bathe also got a chance on the DJ’s rotation. Although each band had a theme, masqueraders had their own style ranging from colourful hair and wigs, to large spectacles, fishnet stockings and their own personal designs on their costumes.
For spectators at SAPA, it was a one-stop shop for entertainment as the traditional and conventional mas, and steel pan now had the same judging point as opposed to two.
An excited San Fernando mayor Junia Regrello said yesterday’s celebration was testimony that J’Ouvert was flourishing in San Fernando.
While admitting that the traditional mas was dying, he said there is a need to accept that time can change tradition.
“We started off with a bang and I am really excited with what I see here this morning. San Fernando is alive, J’Ouvert is alive.
“There are very interesting portrayals in the folk category. I see large bands and there is greater participation,” Regrello said.
He said the San Fernando Carnival Committee will consider assembling bleachers on the roadside for patrons come next year.
He said the committee had a shortfall of funds this year, but found some ways to address it.