The Word Presents Genesis I - Creation Costumes

Hi all we have relocated next to Fatima College we are just across the bridge.

62 Warren Street, Mucurapo Main Road.

We are open from 9.00am to 9.00pm daily.

Come and register in your section. We are all inclusive.

Bring a group of 10 and get 10% discount on your costume.

Call us at 868-331-0300 or visit us on our website http://www.thewordcarnival.com/, http://www.trinidadandtobagocarnival.blogspot.com/

Living Creatures (Animals)

Dry Land

Vault of Heaven

Light

Water

Lights in Firmament

Living Creatures (Birds)

Vegetation (seeds)

Living Creatures (fish)

Darkness

DesignsByNJL Black and White Collection

DesignsByNJL is a New York based jewelry designer who has created a Black and White Collection of accessories. An avid mas player and devout Mac Farlane masquerader, Natalie of DesignsByNJL created these handmade one of a kind pieces to complement costumes from Brian Mac Farlane's Humanity Circle of Life.

If you are interested in viewing or purchasing  any of the pieces,  DesignsByNJL will be based at Brian Mac Farlane's Mas Camp at 49 Rosalino Street Woodbrook starting Friday February 26 everyday from 4pm-8pm. For more information you can also check out DesignsByNJL on Facebook.

Guess how many Limes to WIN!

A 360 degrees view of the Lime Display that is presently in the Hyatt Regency Trinidad Lobby. The person who guesses the exact amount of limes in the display or comes closest to the amount without exceeding it will win something very special! ( I heard it's tickets to the Lime Fete!)

You can submit your guesses at the Hyatt  Regency Trinidad OR on Facebook at the Lime's Official Fanpage!

Bringing You Up To Speed In February

Today marks exactly one month before Carnival Tuesday! And SO much has been going on let me bring you up to speed!

HARTS is now officially SOLD OUT, and that includes the surprise section "Sailor" that they launched on the website very recently.

Spice has finally decided to update their website to reflect their SOLD OUT Sections,Vines of Syrah, Tuscany Female, Peruvian Splendor FL and Male, Haute Couture FL and Male SOLD OUT! 

Despite rumours that The Word Presents Genesis I ( aka the Catholic Band) is SOLD OUT, I have been informed that there is still room in most of the sections. Also a new section has been added for the differently abled and elderly on the Garden of Eden Float! For more information check out their new website     http://www.thewordcarnival.com/index.html 

Machel Montano shot the video to his Road March contender on Saturday and he even had a micro stage constructed  at the Savannah to lend some authenticity o the whole experience, some behind the scenes video from the shoot was released by the Machel Montano channel on youtube.com:

And if you enjoyed looking at THAT stage here is a shot of the real one under construction... fingers cross it is ready by next Saturday!

Finally masqueraders and band leaders may have the cloud of a proposed Costume Tax hanging over our heads as we all wonder what this means for costume prices next year. Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters as reported by the Trinidad Express today has this to say .

Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters will seek Cabinet approval to increase taxes on all imported Carnival costumes that are made in other countries in time for Carnival 2012.

Speaking at the launch of the People's Band at the foyer of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) yesterday Peters made clear his intention to preserve the culture by taking steps to deter the importing of Carnival costumes.

"I intend to put a screeching halt to the fact that we are importing most of our mas from India and China. As of next year there will be an enormous amount of tax for any costume coming into this country assembled. We do not want Trinidad and Tobago to be an importer of Carnival, we want to be exporters of Carnival," he said.

Peters said he did not want the local masmakers to suffer because of those bands which chose to import ready-made costumes and therefore the tariff on imported materials for the making of costumes locally would be decreased.

SOURCE
 http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Tax_hike_coming-115533929.html

I will reserve further comment least I spoil the excitement I have over Carnival 2011 and await further details on this proposed "tax". But, feel free to leave your comments on the Minister's idea.

Trinidad Carnival Diary Blingtastic Blogtastic Sweepstakes Contest # 4

ONE lucky winner will win TWO All Inclusive PAN  SEMIS LIME PACKAGES for you and a friend courtesy

  Trinidad Events!

http://www.facebook.com/trinidadevents

http://www.trinidadevents.com/

Your all inclusive package contains:

*************

Jerseys. We are going with Pink in support of Breast Cancer awareness

Trinidad Events Souvenir cup

Lunch

Snacks

Lollies to dip in your rum/scotch/tequilla

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Scotch,Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Baileys, beers,smirnoff, soft drinks,

Wrist band for security and identification purposes

Security will be present

Rhythm Section

Give-aways (surprise surprise)

**Does not include cost of pan ticket**

To enter answer the question:
 Which band placed second in Trinidad and Tobago Panorama Finals 2009 (large band category)
email your answers to trinidadcarnivaldiary@gmail.com 
with the subject 


TRINIDAD EVENTS.

Contest Rules:
1. One entry per contestant
2.Contestant Must Be 18 Years and older and provide valid I.D.to collect the prize.
3.Prize is non transferable
4. Entry must include full name, email address, telephone number and the answer.
5 Pan Package does NOT include the cost of your pan ticket.
6. Pan Lime is for Panorama Semi Finals on Sunday February 20th, North Stand Queens Park Savannah.
7. Registration for Pan Packages must be completed by Friday February 11, 2011
8. Contest Closes on Tuesday February 8 ,2011at 6:00PM
9. Winner will be selected by random.org
10.Winner will be announced on www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com on Wednesday February 9,2011

DJ Private Ryan Dirty Dozen Promo Mix 2

The Dirty Dozen Promo mix part 2 is now available for download. This should hold all soca lovers over until Soca Brainwash 2011 which may just launch this week. Features J'ouvert songs from yesteryear along with some of the latest soca hits.

Part 1 of this mix is located in January 2010 on the Podcast page.

To register or get information about this band check www.dirtydozenjouvert.com

TO DOWNLOAD

Go to www.djprivateryan.libsyn.com

Right click the direct download link located under the graphic

Select Save As/Save Target As/Download Linked File depending on your browser.

TO STREAM
Left click the direct download link

Presenting Shank The Unlikely Soca Star!

So I got this email from "Shank" who, by his own description is "a new soca artist out of Brooklyn, NY...not Trini, not West Indian and in appearance a rather unlikely soca star." Shank's first single is called "Right From Wrong" and is a his own style of "soca fusion". Making his official Soca Debut right here on Trinidad Carnival Diary, I present to you, Shank:

By the way Shank, I think I know exactly who you are, but we will keep it a secret between us for now! If you want to know more about Shank, or just happen to like his music or are just curious check him out on facebook HERE.

The Budget Friendly Fete List Part 4

Some new events to add to the list and you can always check out The Budget Friendly Fete List Parts 1, 2 and 3 for more fetes that are nice to your pocket. Click on the flyers below for more information:

All Inclusive - $400.00TT

All Inclusive - $500.00TT

Tickets now on sale - Combo tix for Blue Flame & Blue Range Cooler Fete on Carnival Friday also available. 

Please note that tickets are NOT available at TRIBE Mas Camp. TRIBE Carnival. 

This is a Red Ants fete not a TRIBE Fete. 

Tickets available from Red Ants Committee Blue Range Association or Blue Range residents

All Inclusive - $450.00TT

All Inclusive - $400.00TT

Date: Carnival Friday 4th March, 2011
Boat: PIER 1’s luxurious – PROWLER, Chaguaramas, T&T
Time: 2pm – 6pm (boarding from 1pm)
DJs: High Fidelity (T&T), DJ Dane (T&T), Soca Sweetness (T.O.) & Dr.Jay (T.O.)
Host: Eman
Tickets: $400TT (All-Inclusive) with PREMIUM BAR
(ft. Johnny Walker Blue & Black, etc…) LIMITED - only 200 tickets available!!!

Tickets/Info:
Bryce @ 416.985.8488
Colin @ 647.838.1625 or 735.2171 (T&T)
Jason (T&T) @ 681.4848
Brendan Clement (T&T) @ 687.6871
Lesley-Ann (Miami) @ 1.954.298.3381
Daryl (in T&T) @ 741.3292
Collin MacFarlane (Miami) @ 1.954.673.5734

Breakfast and Drinks Inclusive - $350.00TT

Congratulations to our Blingtastic Blogtastic Sweepstakes Contest # 3 Winner

The winner of Trinidad Carnival Diary's Carnival Basics Sweepstakes is :

Akilah Seecharan

Congratulations! You have a pair of Baby Phat  boots from Carnival Basics

Winner selected by
 http://www.random.org/

Carnival Or Bust Samba Girl Vs The Chicago Blizzard!

Hola from the Windy City-Chicago,

I LOVE your blog and find alot inspiration here in my quest to share the beauty of Carnival to Chicagoans. The funds to get to Carnival didn't come in like I wanted. So sadly, I will not be coming to Carnival yet another year. BOO HOO! Being mad mad mad, I decided to create my own stage to jump up on during the Chicago Blizzard that just pasted. We can dream, can we? Yes, my wonderful Trini friend, Tony Pacheco, said this was maddness, but sometimes we have to take advantage of moments in life and live outside of the box to show our love. This is to rep my love for Carnival and although I may not get there this year, I will surely be there in spirit. I say take a laugh on me and share my experience with your devotees and your beautiful island of Trinidad. I'll get there one day!

http://www.chicaribenadesigns.com/
http://www.ccd-chicago.com/

North and Grand Stands Update

So I paid a visit to the Queens Park Savannah yesterday to view for myself how the construction of the Grand and North Stands are coming along, especially since it is supposed to be ready for Panorama Semi Finals in the next 14 days! I don't know but I just cannot fathom how this is going to be finished on time! AND the stage also needs to be built! Let's hope they are working around the clock to pull it off! 

Back of the Grand Stand when entering the Savannah 

North Stand

Grand  Stand

Where is the stage?

Launch of The People's Band

“Mas For All” aptly sums up D’ Peoples’ Band.

The brainchild of the Hon. Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston Peters, D’ Peoples’ Band will be launched at the foyer of the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Frederick Street, Port of Spain, on Monday 07th February 2011 at 11:00 am.

Since the idea was conceptualized, a Committee chaired by Errol Peru was established and has been working to make it a reality.

The only criterion given by the Minister is that the revelers wear costumes made in Trinidad & Tobago.

According to Mr. Peters: “One of the Ministry’s plans is to bring out a ‘people’s band’ where music will be provided and anybody could bring their costume and come”.

He added “Anyone interested can play mas in the band. The only requirement is that one wears some form of costume.

“I want the people to be creative. There will be no restrictions, no sections. This will encourage the return of traditional mas and I’m hoping people will pull out those antique costumes they have stored away, clean them off and come play mas.”

D’ Peoples’ Band is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism and the National Carnival Commission.

At the media launch on Monday which will be attended by the Hon. Minister, Officials of the National Carnival Commission and other stakeholders, plans for the most anticipated Carnival band will be revealed.

Bling Bling Bras!

These are custom Monday Wear creations by designer Akin Ross that he has branded "Bling Bling Bras"! I just love how the Divas are going all out for Monday!

Spice - Vines of Syrah 

Bliss - Caprica

Y.U.M.A. - Cancer

Trinidad Carnival Diary Blingtastic Blogtastic Sweepstakes Contest # 3

ONE Lucky winner will win a pair of boots From Carnival Basics! 

http://carnivalbasics.webs.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carnival-Basics/147637121567

Correctly identify the brand of boots in the photo below and  you can win it!  

Win these boots!!!!

Send your answer to trinidadcarnivaldiary@gmail.com with the subject Carnival Basics to enter the sweepstakes!

Sweepstakes Rules:
1. One entry per contestant
2. Entry must include full name, email address and telephone number.
3. Collection of boots will be at the Wee International Mas Camp 30 Avenue Woodbrook.
4. Contest Closes on Saturday  February 5, 2011 at 6:00PM
5. Winner will be announced on www.trinidadcarnival.com on Sunday February 6,2011

Congratulations to our Blingtastic Blogtastic Sweepstakes Contest #2 Winner

The winner of Trinidad Carnival Diary's Carnival KIcks Sweepstakes is :

Mariella Maraj

Congratulations! You have won your choice of footwear from Carnival Kicks ( valued up to $35.00US)

Winner selected by
 http://www.random.org/

Celebrities on Twitter... Who is Coming for Trinidad Carnival?

So Idris Elba confirmed on twitter that he will be coming to Trinidad for Carnival, one day after Hyatt Regency Trinidad confirmed Idris as well as Hosea Chanchez aka Malik Wright and Wendy Raquel Robinson as guests at their Ultimate Lime Fete on March 2. One question, why the "ooooooooooh noooooooo" exclamation Idris?

Aaron Fresh also used to twitter to let his fans know that he will be at Trinidad Carnival with Machel Montano... if you are like me and wondered who is Aaron Fresh well, I was told he is a Trini who is like the "Black Justin Beiber, just not that famous". Ok then! Check out Aaron Fresh's video's here and here.

Women This Warning Is For You, Beware at Fetes!

There is a very important warning in today's PULSE column in the Trinidad Guardian from Peter Ray Blood; please take heed of the near abduction and possible rape of a young lady who attended an all inclusive fete last week. Don't let all inclusive fetes lull you into a false sense of security, ladies be on guard at ALL events!

click for large view

Friday Limes ....

The cooler lime is the most popular lime this season, even Mac Farlane is getting into the fray! Click on the flyer for more details:

At this Friday's Cooler Lime, the launch of Mac Farlane Carnival's theme song for Carnival 2011! 

BLACK & WHITE created and performed by Blaxx and Tony Prescott!

THIS FRIDAY 4TH FEB COME DONG to The Launch of

THE ALBUM - Re Evolution Time - Everytihng must change Everything in a timin'

THE VIDEO - Run The Riddem/I AM

THE 3CANAL SHOW - Re Evolution Time - Here comes the MLF*

3CANAL JOUVAY - I AM the Re Evolution - Power to the People

SHOWTIME 10:00PM!!!

Adm $40.

Also Gems Mas will be hosting a Friday after work lime at its Show Room down stairs in the Well Pub, Capital Plaza Frederick Street POS from 7pm.

Wonderful World Look Book

I made a visit to Wonderful World stores yesterday to check out the stock for their "Create Your Look Carnival 2K11" campaign. It is the first time in my recollection that Wonderful World has gone all out in promoting their range of accessories, makeup, nails and other Carnival related products. Complete with a Look Book that shows you makeup and accessory styling  for various sections in Harts, Island People, Spice, Bliss and TRIBE there are billboards all over Trinidad advertising Wonderful World and their Carnival collection.

The Look Book is really neat in that if you need makeup inspiration the looks created by Nina Alcantara  to match the various costumes are gorgeous, plus the Look Book (priced at $10.00TT) also has a rewards card inside which gets you a discount on purchases ; my rewards card scored me a $30.00TT discount, but please note the amount does vary . I only picked up metallic nails  ($35.00TT) and hair diamonds ($50.00TT) but I am definitely going back to Wonderful World for more stuff, it is like a magnet pulling you in every time I am at the mall!

So, if you were wondering what the whole Look Book thing was about now you know! 

Tips and Tricks For Costumes

Have you ever wondered how professional photos of your costume on the website, calender or look book make it look so spectacular, feathers plumped, sequins glistening, fabric panels staying perfectly in place, but when you get your costume it does not quite look exactly as how it was modeled? Well the reason why the costumes look so much better in professional photographs on the website or in the look book, is because there are tricks that costume designers use to make the costume appear super in photographs.

• Steam feathers to make them fuller, you can try this with say your headpiece or even your back pack but be very careful if you do not have a hand held steamer.

• You can also use extra volume hair aerosol on the plumes and then hit them with a blast of the blow dryer to plump the feathers up as well.

• A spritz of hairspray and some glitter (use the AB iridescent glitter to match the colour of your costume) adds an extra sparkle to your feathers as well.

• If your belt has fabric pieces falling from it stick a one cent piece to the back of the fabric to prevent it from blowing all over.

• To strengthen  pheasant feathers you can add “coceyea stick” (dried coconut leaf stems) to the back so they do not break easily, I am sure this will also work on peacock feathers as well which are very fragile.

How Much Is Too Much For Monday Wear?

One has to ask where the tradition of "Monday Wear" in respect to  Carnival came from, as in the past (before my time) people wore their costumes to play mas on both Monday and Tuesday. If I were to hazard a guess as to the birth of what we  now know as "Monday Wear" I would say the phrase and concept was borne out of the private sections from the band Poison and specifically the section by "Galvanize Entertainment". Today Monday Wear has become so much of a part of the landscape that many bands offer it to their masqueraders as an included amenity in their Carnival package, from Brian Mc Farlane who has used mud and paint on Monday to Island People issuing  fabric and instructions to get creative to their masqueraders last year.

To tell you the truth I have never been part of a band that offers Monday Wear in their package. Barbarossa we knew of no such thing, Harts masqueraders normally wear costume both days, in Poison I was just not in the right section to get the luxury of Monday Wear and TRIBE has taken a policy of not giving Monday Wear even though some of the private sections have started adding a Monday "extra" for Frontline masqueraders.

So, while some of you will be getting baby tees, tank tops and matching shorts pretty much everyone in TRIBE and Bliss will be either wearing part of their costume or getting creative with their Monday Wear. And no longer will a tank top matching your section colours and some hot shorts make the grade for Monday Wear, Monday has now turned into an opportunity to get customized, creative and even go elaborate with your gear.

For instance I have taken the stance that on Monday  I want to feel just as fabulous and special as I do on Tuesday when I wear my full costume, consequently that means customized Monday "costume", professional makeup and fully decorated Monday boots for me this year. Other Carnival Divas have sought the services of Clothing and Costume Designers to create their one of a kinda Monday pieces, in some cases it even applies to those getting Monday Wear from their band of choice; they just want to stand out with something totally unique. 

And while I fully support getting rid of the wife beater and boyshorts for Carnival Monday I do know that there are those masqueraders who just like to keep things simple and that is cool too. My question though is, when does Monday Wear turn into "too much" for Monday? Is there such a thing? I had that thought when I saw these gorgeously and elaborately decorated bras for Monday  created by Designing Daryl for customers in the band Bliss:

Don't those bras look like they can be worn on Tuesday with full complement of costume? And if this is your Monday Wear isn't the Tuesday bra just an anticlimax following this creation? Honestly, what are your thoughts? Do these bras rival the original costume or complement it?

Afro Chic and her Platinum Diva services got numerous requests for decorated bras for Monday and I know http://carnivaldivaz.blogspot.com/Carnival Divaz is doing a range of decorated (and undecorated) bras and monokinis for Monday Wear as well.

Is this trend going in the direction of bringing back costuming on Monday, so that spectators no longer have to look at bands of t shirt clad masqueraders, or are we running the risk of turning Monday Wear into another over the top, unnecessary expense.. .after all we can always wear our costume both days, right ?

Leave your thoughts and opinions via comment below!