What are the traditional carnival characters in Trinidad and Tobago?
Vincent and Grenada have similar festivities but Trinidad and Tobago Carnival remains the greatest show on earth.
- TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS.
- BABY DOLL.
- BATS.
- BOOKMAN.
- BURROKEET.
- COW BAND.
- DAME LORRAINE.
- FANCY INDIANS.
Which traditional carnival character will be prevented from continuing his dance if he comes across a pool of water in the road?
As the story goes, the Dragon cannot cross water (holy water) to continue his path of destruction. His frustrations come across as a dance while the Imps, led by the King Imp, continue to tease and restrain him. The dance is one of the most beloved masques in traditional carnival celebrations.
What does the Pierrot Grenade say?
A tongue lashing that stings like a cat-o-nine tail, beware, beware, the Pierrot Grenade!
What does the Jab Jab traditional carnival character look like?
The costume consists of a “Kandal” or satin knickers, and satin shirt with points of cloth at the waist, from which bells hang. The costume can come in alternating colours and be divided into front and back panels. The Jab Jab has a thick whip of plaited hemp which he swings and cracks threateningly.
Who invented Moko Jumbie?
“Moko” means healer in Central Africa and “jumbi”, a West Indian term for a ghost or spirit that may have been derived from the Kongo language word zumbi. The Moko Jumbies are thought to originate from West African tradition brought to the Caribbean.
What is a jab Molassie?
The Jab Molassi or Molasses Devil is one of the oldest forms of Devil Mas. He wears wings, horns, has a wire tail and carries a pitch fork and usually strikes fear in the hearts of both young and old. He was usually covered in a sticky black substance, which was in the old days, molasses.
What is the Midnight Robber?
The midnight Robber is one of the most recognizable traditional carnival characters. This dark and mysterious character is both loved and feared. If the ominous costume wasn’t enough, he is well equipped with an elaborate speech which would terrify his audience into parting with his or her cash.
Why do the jamettes Love Carnival?
It is no wonder, therefore, that Carnival was embraced with such fervour. For the Jamettes, it was a necessary release from the struggle that was their daily lives. The view of the whites was that the Carnival activities were immoral, obscene and violent.
Who were the jamettes?
The “Jamettes” occupied the barrack yards of East Port of Spain. They were the stickfighters, prostitutes, chantuelles, matadors and dustmen.
What does a Trinidad and Tobago Carnival costume look like?
The costume is straightforward with scales, a dragon head with a movable tongue, large elaborate wire-framed wings and a long scaled tail. (Photo courtesy the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago – CITT)
What is the carnival dragon at Dimache Gras?
The Calypso Monarch Competition and the Carnival King and Queen Costume competition are held in the Savannah on Dimache Gras night. The dragon is a traditional carnival depiction of a scaly colourful dragon.