Each year we see Carnival moving further and further from its original state. Is this movement evolution or devolution? Costuming or the lack thereof, is at the crux of this dilemma.

What really is being offered to the masqueraders in almost every carnival band? What is each masquerader portraying? What does the “designer ” intend to tell the onlooker by way of the costumes given to the members of the band?

The big question is “has carnival gone so commercial that no thought is given to the costuming except what is to be given at the cheapest rate and so derive the biggest profit.

Down memory lane

One only has to go back to the days of George Bailey, Harold Saldenah, Irvin Mc Williams to appreciate the craftsmanship and pride that these bandleaders took in the portrayals in their respective bands.

They took pride in the authenticity of their characters. For two days you were Pharaoh or Robin Hood. Even the steelbands were as authentic as they could be.

San Juan All Stars plating Battle Cry was involved in one of the worse fights with Desperadoes, so engrossed were they with their war portrayal.. Animal Kingdom portrayed by Desperadoes was so true to life that many were of the opinion that they should have won band of the year.

Silver Stars was fantastic with Gulliver’s Travels. Let’s not forget Bailey’s Relics of Egypt complete with elaborate copper work, Ye Saga of Merry England with castle and all with archers atop.

Read the full article by Stalin Neehall and published in the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Newspapers - http://www.guardian.co.tt/features2.html