My First Miami Carnival
Posted on October 24, 2021
Discovering Carnival Growing Up In Trinidad
Carnival itself is newer to me than to most. My first fete experience happened as an adult, Mama and Papa never took me with them as they never went to any fetes. My first Carnival on the road was just my then girlfriend and I watching the bands as they passed, me carrying my alcohol from home and staying near to my secured bumper.
To get closer to Carnival I worked as a security ‘rope holder’ with Island People Mas. I really wanted a wristband and I was very tempted to dessert my post on the first day and come jump up for Carnival Tuesday. Although my Christian morals would never allow me to do that, I did eventually return with a wristband to capture everything I saw.
The Genesis Of My Carnival Recap
In 2014, new girlfriend in tow, we traversed the streets of Port of Spain. She wore a long jeans and black jersey but somehow managed to outlast the entire day into the night. That year I released my first Carnival video.
I noticed my photo and video colleagues using this time to earn much needed income to keep up with the rapidly advancing media technologies. Thankfully over the years, my events and other ventures has allowed me to stay focus on my objective – capturing an authentic impression of Carnival unadulterated by ANY commercial entity. Influenced by expression and fuelled by my love for culture and the people that breathe life into our street parade.
After the world was affected by COVID 19, I never released any Carnival 2020 recap. I could not bring myself to edit it. I view each video as a work of art, my art. A painting of emotions and expressions that I can’t see to paint when in that dark, uncertain place that this pandemic has put us event practitioners and suppliers in.
What was the first Pandemic Carnival actually like?
Safety Protocols everywhere.
The world has undoubtedly changed forever and as such this was by far the cleanest Carnival I’ve attended. To enter the venue all needed to receive a recent negative PCR test and get a CDC Cleared Wristband. If you did not, they would test you right outside and you will wait for your results.
Shipping and Distribution Issues.
Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a devastating ripple effect to supply chains everywhere. Items that would take 2 weeks to arrive now take 6 weeks. Add this to swelling registration numbers as the demand for ANY type of enjoyment is at its highest yet the outlets to do so outdoors only happen in selected countries. The entire process was set up for many massive failures and delays. Although I did not personally have an issues collecting my costume – many did. The ladies I stayed with had a horror story of being put off twice to collect and even upon their final collection day there were costume issues. Hosting a pandemic event or Carnival is nothing like before so event planners must do our due diligence and expect extra delays.
A Treasured time on the road.
The same ladies I stayed with eventually made it on the road and every time I saw them they were having a blast! The happiness and jubilance of finally being able to chip, wine and jump up next to a music truck with a costume on was painted on the face of masqueraders, Djs, suppliers – literally everyone! Those moments felt surreal. Am I really here? Is this really Carnival? I didn’t need to pinch myself as I personally felt the push back from a gyrating waistline or a hail from a long lost friend.
The fear.
Every single participant in Miami Carnival has had the thought – so what if I get … ? Will these events and Carnival itself be a super spreader? Will people be ‘dropping down’ or falling ill en mas? Well two weeks have passed and I have not heard or seen any of this happen however the fear of getting a positive result in your POST Carnival COVID test remained. Some say that if people fall ill they will not say, but nevertheless, from the outside looking, in we made it.
New Memories. Many of us have created new memories which I think will contribute to our mental health in a positive way! I can not stress enough how important I feel celebrating our culture, music and our people should be. These memories will last forever and incase anyone forgets, there is my Carnival video to remind you.
Miami Carnival gave me hope. Miami Carnival gave me life. Miami Carnival was my first time – it felt like my first time breathing in the fresh air of unity and revelry.
Thank you MIA for inspiring me to edit again. I feel renewed and I hope this video of the ‘only’ Carnival of 2021 brings you similar inspiration.
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