How Trinis Are Celebrating Carnival This Year

Under normal circumstances, the streets of Port of Spain would now be awash with colour and pulsating with rhythm. Even though we can’t celebrate as we ordinarily would, Carnival is still with us. The music, rituals, artistry, inspiration are all still with us. I asked a few Trini creatives to share how they are expressing creativity this year despite the pandemic. This is the first installment in the series. Enjoy!

Aisha Sylvester - Blogger. Masquerader.

AM: What’s a memory from last year’s Carnival that you cherish?

Aisha: Honestly, there are so many epic memories it's hard to pinpoint just one. However, if I had to choose I would say one moment I truly cherish was the stage crossing on Carnival Monday. Up until last year I had always played with Tribe, but I made the switch to Bliss, which is a much smaller band in 2020. I've always loved the drama and chaos of getting lost in a large band, and wasn't sure I'd enjoy the more intimate experience Bliss offers. But when it came time to cross that stage on Monday, I was completely blown away by the difference it made to HAVE ALL THAT SPACE!!! Because of the size of the band, we not only got more space, but we got more time on the stage as well and I made sure to cover every inch of it. Twice. Every now and then I still look back on a video my friend took of me doubling back and covering the entire width of the stage and I just laugh. It's something that never could have happened with a large band and it completely changed my expectations as it relates to the stage crossing experience.

AM: In spite of the pandemic, how have you been expressing creativity in the spirit of Carnival?

Aisha: The year started off extremely busy for me work-wise and I was happily preoccupied in Tobago, so thus far all I've done is look back on old photos. Now that a major project has wrapped up and I'm back in Trinidad the tabanca is hitting hard...costume collection would have been next week and now there's nothing...So my ultimate Carnival buddy and I are going to have a little chat this weekend to figure out what we can do to pay tribute to the road in some way shape or form. I'll keep you posted!

AM: What elements or traditions from our usual Carnival season are you missing most and looking forward to experiencing again?

Aisha: While I am very vocal about my obsession with the gorgeous costumes and the exhilarating experience of being on the road, Carnival encompasses so much more than the street parade so there are several elements I'll miss. I don't participate in many of the traditional activities, but in recent years I've really grown to appreciate the art of stick fighting and, seeing that last year's gayelles were canceled after a strike at the semi-finals, I'll certainly miss taking in the bois for yet another year. As expected, I'll also miss the fêtes because they contribute so much to building the anticipation for Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Finally, although I usually have everything I need organised weeks in advance, I have a tradition of doing last-minute accessory shopping on Carnival Sunday, so I'll miss the rush of running into Micle's and Wonderful World, looking for stuff I don't need "just in case".

Once this pandemic is behind us though, and we can get back to our regular Carnival calendar, what I'm looking forward to most is going through the drama of the entire, nearly-year-long process that is Carnival...starting with band launch and costume selection, to early morning makeup appointments, to the euphoria that comes as you soak up those last few hours of carefree abandon on Carnival Tuesday night, before it's time to cut the music, turn off the lights, and pack those costumes away. 

Check out Aisha’s (@islandgirlintransit) IG page and blog (islandgirlintransit.com) for superb travel content on Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean and beyond!

Photography Credit: Gail Karen Cabral and @trini_fleurs via Island Girl In Transit

Joshua Regrello - Steelpan musician & Performer

AM: What’s a memory from last year’s Carnival that you cherish?

JR:I had the opportunity to perform with College Boy Jesse for the 2020 Soca Monarch Semi-Finals and Finals. That experience was truly special and one that I cherish because firstly, I loved his song (Happy Song) so performing it each time was bliss! Additionally, through these performances and rehearsals, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand his work ethic, his limitless talent, and his love for music and our culture, and that was a blessing to witness. Oh, and he also won the Competition that year!

AM: Inspite of the pandemic, how have you been expressing creativity in the spirit of Carnival?

JR: I'm a steelpannist so I've continued to release Steelpan covers of Soca songs, for instance, I recently released a Steelpan cover of Farmer Nappy's Backyard Jam alongside the legendary Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe. I also intend on making Carnival themed videos to be posted on Social Media.

AM: In what ways, if any, have you come to view your art differently as a result of the pandemic and what things do you look forward to experiencing again?

JR: I have definitely grown to appreciate live performances more. As a performer, I live to be on a stage in front of a live audience so I've definitely grown to appreciate having an in-person audience much more.

Follow Joshua on IG and YouTube for his infectious steelpan performances!

Photography Credit: Antonio Achee & Vijay Mack