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Caribbean Carnival: It's Origin, History and
Present
In the calendar of all peoples certain
days have been set aside for special religious or secular observance, or
as possessing a special character. Among these days, some have remained
primarily religious in character, some of which were once of religious
or superstitious significance, are no longer so but remain as special
days. In many countries celebrations of Carnival are special days and
have become the greatest popular cultural manifestation. It is a mixture
of fun, party and theater, which involves art and folklore. It basically
comes up as a street party but is also celebrated in closed spaces such
as clubs.
Where did Carnival come from?
Hundreds of years ago followers of the Catholic religion in Italy
started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before
Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they
called their festival, 'carnevale'-which means "to put away meat." As
time passed, carnivals in Italy became quite famous. The practice spread
to France, Spain and Portugal. As these Catholic countries began to take
control of the Americas and other parts of the world, they brought with
them their tradition of celebrating Carnival.
Carnival in the Caribbean
In many parts of the world, where Catholic Europeans set up colonies and
entered into slave trade, carnival took root. Today Carnival
celebrations are found throughout the Caribbean. Traditions of the
cultures have come together and especially African dance and music
traditions transformed the early European carnival traditions in the
Americas. Important to the Caribbean festival arts are the ancient
African traditions of parading and moving in circles through villages in
costumes and masks. These traditions were believed to bring good
fortune, to heal problems and chill out angry spirits. Caribbean
carnival traditions also borrow from the African culture the tradition
of creating pieces of sculpture, masks and costumes. For the Caribbean
people carnival became an important way to express their rich cultural
traditions. It takes many months of coming up with a theme or overall
concept and developing costumes for the dancers. Lots of creativity,
energy and patience is put into work such as welding, painting, sewing,
gluing, applying feathers, sequins and glitter. Carnival groups,
entertained by music orchestras, parade and dance wearing costumes
depicting a common theme.
Carnival Celebrations
When Carnival first began it was celebrated from December 26 until
Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Nowadays Carnival
festivities and activities are being held year-round in the Caribbean.
The dates on which Carnival celebrations such as; music competitions,
festivals, concerts, street 'jump-up's', beauty pageants, balls, parades
etc. take place may vary from country to country, from island to island.
For days, sometimes weeks, the people of the Caribbean express
themselves socially and artistically and sheer joy with visitors from
all over the world. Everyone, including the spectators, is part of the
celebrations. Carnival is the way to celebrate life!
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