This is a short video from the New York Times website on Trinidad Carnival
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/03/09/world/100000000709822/the-costs-of-trinidad-carnival.html
What are your opinions on the bikini and bead versus traditional costume bands?
Is Dean Ackin correct in asking why the bikini and bead bands have more people than traditional bands? Do you have an answer?
I think with development and change comes a price to pay. It is impossible for the costuming of carnival to remain the same while the society changes because the creativity is influenced by the world around us. While I prefer to see the traditional costume bands, I personally prefer to play mass in the bikini and bead.
ReplyDeleteThe costume designers are only following what the people want in my opinion because when there is too much material, people take it off and leave it on the streets. If this preference of as little clothing as possible to play mass in is a reflection of something in society is another question which I do not have the answer to. But generally I think we are becoming a more liberated society and so the costumes are reflecting that.
I agree with Renice to some point, we have to understand the times are changing, cultures, 'climate',trends and fashion is becoming the craze and it has been strongly influenced by media. However if we truly want to preserve our culture and continue to produce our Traditional costumes then we have to start promoting it from the child in the school system go straight up to the adults.
ReplyDeleteimagine some people don't even know what a Moko Jumbie is...
If some television stations that promote Carnival promote our Traditional costumes and explain the history behind it, also, include the dances that Traditional characters portray then more people would have a greater interest. Although, it still doesn't say they would play in the bands..they would just have a better appreciation for it..
Where the bikini and beads are concerned, many people have an option now between traditional and or bikini and beads, many of the people that play mass nowadays are young people who train and get fit just to show off their bodies because overtime media and our changing Culture has spoken to them saying its the in thing. Had bikini and Beads existed before the era of 'Bikini and Beads' i don't think it would've been a problem.
We just have to ask ourselves at this point if there are now two options between Traditional costumes and Bikini and Beads and we're still changing and developing what could be the third option..(that's the question that leaves me wondering or with respect to some of the Bikini and Beads this year no one has to wonder again) food for thought
Over the years we have gradually been losing the essence of what Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is. Although times are changing with regards to culture,trends,fashion and so on, I feel as though we should not forget or forsake our identity in the process of change. If we continue to stray away from the things that separate us from the rest of the world, then what will make people want to experience our Carnival because there are many other Carnival experiences around. Our traditional Carnival (Mas, calypso, steel pan, Canboulay riots, stick fighting etc) is where we find our identity our history. Our calypsonians are masters of language, historians and commentators on society. Our steel pan and traditional mas show the creativity of our people (which is the ability to make something spectacular out of "nothing"). As a young person I have no objections really with the contemporary aspects of Carnival. I believe however that the traditional elements still have a place, it should be respected and appreciated and should be used to help shape the changes in Contemporary mas.
ReplyDeleteIf Beads and Bikinis are our way as a society of becoming liberated then we should all be concerned. If we look at our history Carnival was always an avenue for liberation, escapism, performance etc. The only thing that has changed is the meaning behind the liberation. My question is how is wearing beads and bikinis liberating besides it is a celebration of the body?
In my opinion the two can exist within the Caribbean context. I love casting my eyes upon the traditional costumes. It allows me to get a sense of what carnival meant to my ancestors. The characters that were unique to their celebration - the particular dialogues, movement, songs allow me to appreciate it even more.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with the previous blogger, the methods and concepts used within the traditional mas can be utilized in the “two-piece and fries” (Bikini and bras). Although, the attire consists of little material, it still illustrates a level of creativity and originality. All in all, both costuming concepts help to perpetuate the ingenuity, resourcefulness and culture of the Trinidadian people.
Personally, I hate it when Caribbean people or people in general hold the belief that skimpy attire is a means of liberation. Carnival originally started as a festival of freedom, mockery etc. Scholars state most outfits where created to resemble the French socialites of the time and we all know that they were very well clothe. So, as intellectuals, Caribbean people I think we need to generate and inculcate within our people another sensible reason, for the choice of scanty bikini and beads.