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Making mas in St Lucia
Written by : Adanna Austin
Location : St Lucia
Posted : May 18, 2006 : 4:52:00 PM |
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St. Lucia is renowned for its beautiful beaches, its beautiful people and its exotic food, but now more than ever St. Lucia is also known for its carnival celebrations, which are usually held during the second week of July; this year, carnival will take place on July 17 and18.
On the official days of carnival, a mass of people line the streets of the capital, Castries, in a kaleidoscope of colour and revelry, jumping and parading to the latest calypso and soca from the island and from across the Caribbean.
From the beginning of June, when the carnival is officially launched, mas camps design and build elaborate costumes to fit the various themes of the parade. Panyards are swarming with eager performers ready to put in the dedicated time and hard work needed to win the Panorama competition, and calypso tents are packed to capacity with spectators and calypsonians who heat up the stage with their music and commentary.
Some of the other major highlights of the celebration include a beauty queen competition and a 'King and Queen of the Band' competition, where the most extravagant costumes vie for first place. Of major importance to St. Lucia carnival is its calypso competition, which showcases some of the islands best songbirds as they are pitted against each other to win the coveted prize of Calypso Monarch.
For the not too faint at heart, there is the ultimate street party that begins as early as 4.30am on Carnival Monday. J'Ouvert is the official beginning of carnival, as revelers take to the streets in 'Ole Mas' costumes and play 'dirty mas', much to the delight of spectators.
The work begins months in advance, but it is on Carnival Monday (when they are judged at Mindoo Philip Park) and Tuesday (when all the bands take to the street) that the colourful and spectacular costumes come into their own and may be seen in all their glory. |
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