International Carnival Dates 2011

It's the first of March 2010 and it is hard to imagine that Trinidad Carnival was only 12 days ago! If you are still in your post Carnival depressive state and are not getting any relief from Palancil:

What you may need is another Carnival, or a few,  to tide you over until 2011. So here is your list of upcoming Carnivals both regionally and globally, for 2010:

Apr 3-10, 2010	Bacchanal Jamaica
Apr 4-24, 2010	St. Thomas (V.I)
Apr 15-May 3, 2010	St. Maarten
Apr 25-May 1, 2010	Cayman Islands
April, 2010	Tampa, FL
May, 2010	Hunduras
May 1, 2010	Pt. Fortin Borough Day
May 22, 2010	Bermuda (Junkanoo)
May 23-26, 2010	Berlin (Germany)
May 28-30, 2010	Georgia Carnival (Dekalb)
May 28-30, 2010	Atlanta, GA
May 28-30, 2010	Orlando, FL
May 28-30, 2010	San Francisco, CA
June 4-12, 2010	Calgary, AB (Canada)
June 6, 2010	Hartford, CT
June 12, 2010	Philadelphia, PA
June 12-13, 2010	Tampa Bay, FL
June 19, 2010	West Palm Beach, FL
June 24-27, 2010	Washington DC
Jun 26-Jul 6 2010	St. Vincent & The Grenadines
July, 2010	St. John (V.I)
July 1-4, 2010	Houston, TX (Caribfest)
July 3, 2010	Montreal, Canada (Carifest)
July 9-11, 2010	Baltimore Carnival (Maryland)
July 14-20, 2010	St. Lucia
July 18, 2010	Jersey City, NJ
Jul 29-Aug 1, 2010	Toronto (Caribana)
July 31, 2010	Rotterdam (Zomer Carnival)
Jul 24-Aug 3, 2010	Antigua
Jul 29-Aug 2, 2010	Barbados (Crop Over)
Aug, 2010	Tortola (BVI) Carnival
Aug, 2010	Nevis (Culturama)
Aug, 2010	Norfolk, Virginia
Aug 6-8, 2010	Hamilton, Canada
Aug 6-8, 2010	Edmonton (Cariwest)
Aug 6-8, 2010	Detroit, MI
Aug 8-15, 2010	Ottawa (Caribe-Expo)
Aug 9-10, 2010	Grenada (Spice Mas)
Aug 13-15, 2010	Chicago, IL (Carifete)
Aug 15-22, 2010	Boston, MA
Aug 20-23, 2010	Notting Hill (London, UK)
Sep 2-6, 2010	New York (Labor Day)
Oct 7-11, 2010	Miami-Broward Carnival, FL
Oct 22-24, 2010	Jacksonville, FL
Nov, 2010	Cayman Pirates Week

Spice 2010 Review (8)

SPICE Review

After hearing some good reviews about SPICE band 2009, twelve of my friends and I decided to give them a try for Carnival 2010. Now I know many others have already given their reviews of the road, I can’t give my road review because by 1:00 pm Carnival Tuesday, I was so fed up of SPICE’s BS I went home. I will however give a detailed account of the ugly, uglier and ugliest experience that I had with this band. Before I do that I would like to commend two Spice workers, and I know them by name because they genuinely cared about our happiness during this dreadful ordeal. So thanks to CJ and Rene (second stop in costume collection) the girl with the golden locks.

THE UGLY

So seven of us entered SPICE’s Mas camp in September to register for costumes, while walking through the Mas camp we were followed by a not so helpful worker Natalia, who continuously reminded us not to touch the costumes (even though we were not attempting to do this). The majority of us liked Thailand, however when Natalia heard this she quickly informed us that we would not be able to get all our sizes in this section. Of course this was before we advised her of how many costumes we required or what sizes we would like. Still, going on Natalia’s advice, we then inquired what sizes would be available in this section. She replied, “I can’t tell you what sizes are available in that section unless someone is actually registering today.”.... EXCUSE ME??!!! My cousin (who has very little patience for stupidity) asked Natalia if she was about to turn away thirteen potential masqueraders because the sizes available were a secret. No response. To make a long story short, we approached some persons with a little more power and sense than Natalia, found out sizes and eventually registered.

THE UGLIER

Three people from our crew were foreigners and one of them was actually coming to Trinidad for the first time for Carnival. Being one of the youngest, her mother was a bit worried about the crime problem in Trinidad and requested some private security for her. When we contacted SPICE on this matter we were informed that each officer used would cost $1000 TTD, we obliged. On the date that we were requested to pay for this security, we were told that the price had increased to $1100 TTD because we were required to buy a SPICE T-Shirt for $100. We inquired then, what the $1000 was for and we were told that it included a T-shirt, but those specific T-shirts were already printed, so we need to buy one at Hilton for $100..... WHAT??? So where did initial T-shirt funds go.... to charity? Still we obliged. Fifteen minutes later, a gentleman approached my friend and me at Hilton, to inform us that Spice’s security unit had reached its maximum (400 individuals) and our friend would not be able to have her PRIVATE guards. Now, I am unsure what PRIVATE means to the average person but usually it means that, I pay for them and they guard ME. What that have to do with Spice security? Needless to say, no money was paid to Spice and the personal security walked alongside the rope both days.

THE UGLIEST

On Carnival Monday we were at first irritated that there was only one small entrance available for the 2,500 masqueraders to enter QRC grouds. Furthermore that small entrance was made even smaller by two lines of SPICE security checking ID bands before entry. While we appreciated the security it was unclear why it was obvious to no one that over 2000 masqueraders entering through one tiny gate would be a bad idea.

I will refrain from commenting on the lines for food and the inadequate seating arrangements as this was already addressed in previous reviews. One issue however that I must comment on is the fact that there were drinks available in the food tents to Spice staff but masqueraders who PAID to play were told to go outside to the trucks if we wanted a drink. Yet there was no one who informed us of this practice as we roamed from tent to tent in search of a bar until one of my friends asked a gentleman in a Spice Tshirt where she could get some water and was told ‘it have a standpipe over dey.’ Spice officials, please keep your staff informed of basic information so that they can provide same to masqueraders. Not everybody knows who Anya and Rocky are if they need information.

Carnival Tuesday, after choosing not to run down the truck, and buying beers and water from a vendor around the savannah, we approached QRC grounds. Judging, from our experience the day before where there were NO drinks available in the rest spot, we went straight to the drinks trucks parked outside only to be informed by an attendant that the drink trucks were closed for lunch and restocking. Yet we noted that some of the bar attendants were giving bottled water to Spice staff members. Again, why is staff afforded better treatment than masqueraders who paid for advertised services? On the inside of the grounds there were two tubs with hot water, monster and red bull available for masqueraders to drink. As we sit to eat, one of my friends discovers that her macaroni pie is smelling foul (SPOILT), two seconds later my cousin discovers her Arabic rice is also SPOILT. We then overhear a group of other masqueraders complaining about their food as well. We decided, we will get something better to eat, all we need is some alcohol in our system and we will be alright. Head to the drink truck, ask for a Rum and Coke, to be informed by the same attendant, “All de Rum done.” But wait nah..... The trucks were closed for restocking ..... RESTOCKING!!! Where could the Rum have disappeared to??? How unfortunate we could not have gotten drunk like all the committee members did.... We’ll leave the matter there. Needless to say it was at this point that I decided that I had had enough and I went home.

All in all SPICE, according to a good friend of mine, we played with you three times: FIRST, LAST and NEVER AGAIN. Your missing ingredient proved to be Customer Service and though I am sure you will succeed in the future, these are thirteen masqueraders you can definitely kiss goodbye.

You Don't Say!

Which dynamic design duo is allegedly taking a sabbatical from Trinidad Carnival for the next year? 

If this turns out to be true I am VERY curious to see how certain bands will fare for the Trinidad Carnival 2011 band launch season, because their touch was seen in MANY bands, including TRIBE (headpieces, frontline tails, collars) and they were also responsible for complete designs for Spice; all but one section!

Interesting news indeed coming on the heels on the fact that  sources have told me Spice seems to have  been dubbed  "new TRIBE" and were all but patting themselves on their back for the job well done this Carnival season. Not to mention that this design duo were looking forward to fabulous designs for the Savage Amazon/Amazoni Savage (sounds like warriors eh?) theme that Spice is working on .Who is going to design the band now? Why are these designers now on hiatus? It seems way too curious for me NOT to be suspicious of these latest developments!

One thing I know, I surely cannot wait for band launch season to see what is in store, counting down to July!

Saucy's Carnival 2010 Costume Picks

I was holding back on giving my choices for top 5 costumes in the popular bands because I had not seen that many in person. After pouring through hundreds of photos from my friends (some of which I have "borrowed" for this post) I have made my choices. It is interesting to note that the SAME costumes keep being photographed over and over when looking at people's personal photos as well as the photo websites online.

Please remember that this is based on MY picks, I would hope everyone loved THEIR costume as much as I loved mine, even if your costume was not one of the top picks for me this year. I have to mention that overall I really loved Island People on the road; Chutney Baav looked great as well as Morgandani Individual (they get an honourable mention).

 I was disappointed in the decoration on Spice's corsets, they were really lacking compared to last year and there were some sections that floored me in the final version.. .China anyone? As for TRIBE, my sentiments did not really change on how I felt about the costumes post launch. The band looked great but my top picks still remained the same.The only costume that slipped was Osage, pretty costume but that was ALOT of orange with not that much contrast. The ladies looked gorgeous in it though, especially the "backline individuals" who took the initiative to add some embellishments! You go girls!

And now my top 5 costume picks in the top 3 most popular bands:

TRIBE

Zari Frontline

I was not impressed with this frontline at TRIBE's launch because it looked very unfinished with just a skimpy bra, belt and somewhat large headpiece. Add an asymmetrical back pack, interesting detail, and a fuller headpiece to the basic frontline costume and this one wowed on the road. Every masquerader in this costume, save one, had to be a size 4 or under and they looked awesome!

Xi Ling Shi Frontline 

I loved the backpack on this costume, lots of movement and very pretty with the two tone feathers. Gorgeous representation on the road as well, the ladies all looked so regal and delicate!

Mystery of Loulan

Loved it, almost the entire section came out with their large headpieces and most kept them on all day because they were not as heavy as people thought they would be. I think both options of the frontline looked fantastic and the backline also looked pretty cute.

Threads of Morocco

Stunning pink in the frontline really sold this section for me. I loved the arm details as well as the wire bra. The backline girls also looked great under the sun.Wished more of the frontline wore their cape! It looked great in photos.

Charmeuse

Awesome large headpiece and backpack on the frontline was a "wow" when I saw it in person. Great colour combination. The entire section looked great.

Island People

Priyadarshani

I LOVED this costume on the road, gems were glittering in the sunlight from a distance. Absolutely gorgeous!

Chandsitare

Surprise hit for me on the road, everyone I saw in this section looked amazing.Also have to mention that every single Island People male rocked their costume. 

Bindi

Even though I am not a fan of burgundy costumes this one looked really nice, not to mention it was one of the larger sections in Island People so it also stood out on impact as well.

Taal

I thought this costume looked fabulous! Loved it at the launch and on the road.

Mudra

This section gets top marks for all the lithe, hard bodies in this costume. It was skimpy but the women hit this one out the park! Very sexy section.

Spice

Greece

One of the most well constructed sections in Spice, I did not see one costume looking as it was missing anything. Great impact on the road with Individual, Frontline and Backline.

Moroccan Heat

Surprise road hit, I was not floored by this section at the band launch but on the road it popped. Everything worked, the shade of orange on the masqueraders, the gold was just enough contrast and I loved the headpiece despite the fact that it kept leaning forward.

Wings of Isis 

This costume went both ways for me. On larger bras the decoration looked a bit sloppy on the stretchy spandex base and the headpiece construction differed from the prototype. However on the smaller bras the costume looked like what it was supposed to be; one of Spice hits.

Rubies of Mumbai 

The best section in Spice for me, on the road.

Thailand

Lovely costume! I loved the backline lots.

Brian Mc Farlane's Resurrection The Mas Review

Hey people, seeing as every other band has gotten a review, I decided to write one for Macfarlane as well...

After playing for the first time with him in 2009 in Africa, I set my sights on Resurrection and registered in Black Indian. I registered in person and this was a breeze at the mas camp. Macfarlane is EXTREMELY traditional as he displays sketches and only bits of the material is brought out for you to see. For those of you who may not like this, I assure you his staff are friendly and will answer every possible question about the costume. Your other alternative is to wait some days closer to carnival when completed costumes are put on display.

Collection

After receiving an email with the collection dates, I went to collect on my assigned day and met some challenges. The costumes are distributed at the mascamp, but the camp is just too small to facilitate the smooth distribution to so many people. To avoid the rush , I went early and received everything except my headpiece which was not ready. I wasn't upset about it not being ready, but AT LEAST you could have called before hand and apologised (as I had made transport arrangements - considering the headpiece was so large!). I had to go back on friday where there was a MASS of people but luckily I was able to slip to the side and get mine easily. I hope members of the Art Factory see this and make the necessary adjustments for 2011...a larger space for distribution is costly but makes things easier.

Monday

Clad in Burlap and Mud we hit the streets at midday, in a significantly larger band. Macfarlane does not really fuss about who takes a jump up in the band, so there were many friends and family of actual masqueraders jumping up as one. Tony Prescott and Surface kept the music pumping, until a costume from Legacy damaged the truck (?)..but this was quickly corrected. I DO NOT like his chit system for the drinks (water is endless),, because just like last year it reaches a point where they just hand you without a chit...so its pointless. Furthermore, the drinks truck is just a regular pick up truck as compared to DKEWE which had a trailer converted into a full bar!!! Also, he really needs a wee wee truck ( but we all know how he feels about that!!!) As this year there were less CLEAN port-o-potties along the route (surprisingly, Piccadily street was the cleanest and only supervised reststop on the entire route). Come on Brian, you are more creative and resourceful than that! But monday was a BLAST and the mud really saved our skin from that blazing sun!

Tuesday

So, I met that band at 8:30AM and we all made final adjustments and posed for pictures. The mirrors in the park (on Rosalino street), is a nice touch as it helps with any alterations you may need to make. The band left extremely late, close to 10:00AM and we took FOREVER to cross the stage on the Avenue. So I quickly deduced that we were in for a long day. We crossed South Quay around 4ish, after waiting for hours!!! However, I must commend Macfarlane as his workers kept passing through the band and ensured that we were well hydrated, with water and juice. Surface also kept the music pumping so although I was fed up of waiting, at least I was wine-ing while doing so. His repair team was also out in full force, fixing any costume that suffered a rip or other mishap. After south Quay, we headed to Picadilly street, where we got into section again and PALANCED across that stage too! Then this was where the wait got ridiculous...it took us 5 HOURS to get to the savannah, as we were stuck behind D KREWE and DreamTeam. At this point many left the band, but somehow I found that energy for one more lap to PALANCE in front of the cameras! The only downside, was that after crossing there is usually the slow chip back to the mascamp. But because people were SO exhausted everyone just headed home....

All in all, Macfarlane gets an A- from me. Friendly staff, a great family vibe in the band and a GREAT costume that has presence on the road. If you want a traditional experience, without the unnecessary extras, a costume that you can actually PORTRAY and a full day's worth of playing mas then Macfarlane is for you!

Calique

More Theme 2011....

Beija Flor Rio Carnival 2010

Ronnie and Caro - SURVIVORS

2010 Trinidad Carnival - TRIBE Ignite

Greetings peeps, Kermit D. Frog here bringing you coverage from Trinidad Carnival 2010. After barely escaping Snowmageddon in Washington, DC, I found myself at my first carnival event for the season, Tribe’s Ignite. Since I had only arrived in Trinidad earlier that afternoon, my plan was to fete like a madman for the 5 days left in the carnival season and Ignite would be the warm-up party that kicked off the frenzy.

Having been to Ignite before, I knew that this would really be a warm-up. This was not the type of fete where the attendees would be jumping and waving and wining en masse. This was a nice fete, with nice pretty people all jamming nicely and having a nice time but not really wining too hard. Now mind you, this was no tourist party! This was bonafide fete and while the majority of the crowd would be dressed more to impress than to wine, I fully expected to enjoy myself and to use the night to immerse myself in the carnival vibe and set the tempo for the rest of the weekend and, true to its name, Ignite did just that.

As usual, Ignite was held in Jenny’s Car Park and when I arrived around midnight, the fete was in full swing. After getting my cup and making a toast to open my carnival season, I made a round of the party to see what was going on. As is the custom with Tribe events, the eye candy was in full effect. The ladies were as beautiful as they were plentiful and before I knew it I was seeing spots dancing before my eyes. It took me a few seconds to realize that these spots were actually flashes from my camera which, unknown to me, I had apparently begun using. I guess my subconscious stalkerrazziness felt I was taking too long with the drinking and walking and gapeing and thus I was sticking, and so had decided to take over with the picture taking in order that you my readers not miss out on any of the sights.

What can I say about the fete that is not captured in the pics? Not very much my peeps; what you see is what I saw. The people chilling were as relaxed and happy as they looked; the ones wining were as enthusiastic and excited as they appeared; and the ones simply profiling were happy just to be seen and photographed by yours truly. The drinks were flowing, the music was playing, a cool breeze was blowing and from the minute I walked in to when I left over 4 hours later, everyone was having a great time and as I chipped out to the sounds of the rhythm section, I knew that the my carnival had started nicely and I was definitely in first gear and looking to shift to second. Little did I know that a few hours later at the next event, the Silent Morning boat ride, I would be bypassing second altogether and skipping BRADAOW directly into third.

Enjoy the pics peeps, Silent Morning is coming…………..shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Island People 2010 Review (5)

This is my second year playing mas with IP. I’m am overseas masquerader.

Costume Collection.

Last year because of our late arrival we collect our costumes carnival Friday. Can you say total and utter chaos!

Good lord, it took us 3 hours to collect our costumes and this is only because we worked as a team (2 in the costume collection line, the other 2 in the payment line) So this year my friends and I were the first at the mass camp carnival Friday morning.Well let me say this, it took us under 10 minutes to pay off our balances and collect our costumes. Kudos to IP!The staff were kind and courteous during out short stint there and imagine our delight when in addition to a goodie bag, we were directed to a goodie table where we could take as many free items as our hearts desired. YEAH!I wasn’t greedy so I only took what I needed, sun block (standard size J ) cranberries, and a few IP calendars for my friends back home that could not come to T&T to PALANCE!!!

Carnival Monday

The band moved off on time, it would appear as we met them on Aripita ave 30min after their agreed move off time.

Let me say the Monday wear idea I was not to happy with at first as I was super excited about wearing those sexy little boy shorts. But I must say I enjoyed seeing the creative side of my fellow masqueraders! Skirts, tops, sari’s, even the men took full advantage using the fabric to make dhotis and head wraps, true to theme.

Everyone was in full carnival mood and by the time we crossed Synergy’s stage it was full palance for the rest of the day.

The DJ’s were on point with the music, the snacks and drinks were flowing and don’t get me started on the eye candy!!!! IP men are the BOMB; I am still trying to recover from my eye candy induced diabetes J

I appreciate that the band stopped on both days for lunch, it was a much needed rest on both days. The down side for me with lunch was that day 1 we were not served until 5pm, the worms were biting by this time, and on both days I heard masqueraders complaining that the food was to salty. Now I don’t know if I have a metal tongue or what but I found the food to be both filling and tasty.

Another thing I would like to comment on, which I thought was clever, is that during lunch only non alcoholic beverages were served within the Oval. This gave those persons who needed a chance to sober up the opportunity to do so.

I also appreciated the demographic of the band, not to young, not to old, just right!

Carnival Tuesday

My friend and I stayed just off Aripita Ave and noticed the band moving up the road at 6:30 am with no masqueraders, just security and music trucks. What the ASS????

We thought that maybe they were going for gas or something because our booklet said the band wasn’t moving off until 7am (apparently it was announced on the music truck that the band would move off at 6 am instead, guess I wasn’t as sober as I though LOL).Imagine us still at home 9am waiting for the band.

We finally decided to get off our lazy butts and made our way to Charlotte st where the band was waiting to cross the savannah.When we approached the band I was pleasantly surprised with the look of the band. No wondering what the hell they trying to depict.I had some serious costume envy when I saw Mudra, Taal , Kalpana and Chandsitarie, they were even more beautiful in person than online. The band over all I thought was extremely true to theme. Oh and again the eye candy were out in their numbers J

I registered in Raja Aur Rani, not my costume of choice but definitely my price of choice based on what was left at my time of registration. The actual costume was not that impressive and based on the quality of the costumes last year it felt kind of cheap. Thumbs down on this. However I made the best of it and rocked it like a true B.A.B.E.

The band was noticeably smaller than 2009 but I think as a masquerader that was a plus. Lots of room to dance and misbehave and an ease at the bar and snack trucks, even the bathroom line wasn’t so bad.

Moving on.

Although we waited almost an hour in the HOT ASS TRINI SUN to cross the “stage”, I must say the vibes never died. IP masqueraders know how to PARTY! This was the atmosphere all day long.

Let me say this I was skeptical about giving IP a second chance but they really re-invented them selves this year and delivered A1 service.

Over all it was a fun filled experience and based on 2010 I would definitely play with IP in 2011. A step up from 2009 for sure.

Oh let me also give props to Marlon Grant (I think that’s his name) he was very hands on with IP, even serving food on both days and dealing with disgruntled masqueraders.

The No Bra Trend.......Hmmmmm

With so many bands offering select sections with the Rio Styled Wire Bra in lieu of a regular bra top for masqueraders, it was no surprise that many masqueraders whose sections did not offer this option went and got their own bras customized as the demand for this sexy style has reached phenomenal proportions.

Jean Cool of Samba Costumes boasted that he was doing lots of orders for Trinidad Carnival and I would have to attest that I saw customized wire bras in every single band, from TRIBE to D Krewe to Harts to Spice!

Wire bras were even a very popular Monday Wear option as I saw many, many ladies in TRIBE sporting them:

And while it is a growing trend for women to show off their assets as well as physical manifestation of months of hard work in the gym, where do we draw the line between a sexy, scintillating costume option to right out straight up nudity by wearing NO BRA at all?!

At least the first masquerader in D Krewe, pictured above, used gems as pasties to retain some modesty and not run afoul of the law BUT the masquerader pictured immediately below is straight up topless in body paint! Apart from the fact that I am left wondering what section she was in and where is the costume she paid for (she was wearing the correct masquerader ID bands in TRIBE) the more pressing question is how come she was not arrested for indecent exposure like the unfortunate jouvert reveler in San Fernando?

I am patiently awaiting next Carnival when someone shows up in full body paint... and nothing else or a wire bra and tapasexo! Might as well go all out Rio seeing where the trend is headed, and speaking of that where is our Sambodromo!? I am thinking the whole "street parade" is defeating the purpose of  portraying pretty mas however that is another topic for another day. So, what are your thoughts on the no bra trend?