CARNIVAL is an annual celebration that is observed in most Caribbean nations. It is a usually a pre-Lenten custom that involves large processions, music, dancing, gyrating, floats, costumes, masks and tramping. Many argue that the Dominican Republic was the first country in the Americas to celebrate carnival, an event that was very popular by the late 1700s.
This celebration is held for the entire month of February. There is a hive of activities, as each town tries to outdo the others. February weekends are fully booked with parades, competitions and other events. There is an explosion of creativity, colour, music and festivity that brings the nation to life. It all comes to a climax on February 27, which is the island’s Independence Day.
Long before the arrival of the Europeans on this island, the native Tainos had a similar tradition. Their celebrations (Areitos),  however, was associated with planting, harvest, weddings, death, and other important events. The natives adorned their bodies with tattoos, body decorations, paint, jewellery, and masks.
When the African slaves arrived, they brought with them a rich tradition of festivities, music, bright colours, frightening masks, and a vibrancy that is still alive today.   Weaved within all this was a love for humour.  They had the knack of being able to laugh at themselves; even in times of great pain and suffering. After gaining their independence on  February 27, 1844, the celebration became more about becoming a free people.
Nationals and visitors alike look forward to these celebrations every year. They all get a chance to relax and escape the stress of everyday struggles. Everyone gets involved, and, as one mass, immerse themselves in the rich and intoxicating celebrations. Thousands descend on the route and watch the parades and magnificent costumes which highlight their rich and diverse culture.
Both young and old play a part in this festival.  The revellers help to inject both humour and vitality into the event. It is not unusual to see very uniquely dressed characters who evoke laughter, or scary ones who cause fear in tiny hearts.
Gladys Accra, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, recalls her childhood memories of carnival.
“People would dress up in very colourful costumes. Some made these out of materials such as coloured paper pasted onto cloth. A very popular feature at carnival was the masquerade. One of the characters was a man dressed as a woman. He carried a doll wrapped in cloth, and pretended to shout and cry for his child, who was dying.
‘Seme Muere Rebecca!!’ he’d shout .
“And people, especially the children, would respond:
‘Aye! Aye!’
“He would also go into shops and homes, and people would give him money.
“Another would be dressed in shiny material with bells and other ornaments attached. He would have a ball made out of pig’s bladder, blown up and dried. This was used to beat anyone calling him,
‘Deablo Cojuelo!’
“Droves of children would follow him (this latter character), and keep up this chant so that he would run after them.
“There were those who dressed as Amerindians. Participants would wear traditional costumes and war paint. They each carried a stick in their hand, and would stop every now and then to do a type of ceremonial dance.
“Each float depicted some part of the history of the country. One crowd favourite was the army’s contingent. They displayed all the military hardware: Guns, tanks and other such instruments. Some of the smaller towns celebrated with what we know as ‘Town Day’.  Of course, there are lots of delicious foods, and an abundance of liquor.”
Like Mashramani and Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, this festival leads up to the season of Lent. Thousands enjoy themselves because, very soon, it will be time for fasting and penance. In every island and Caribbean nation, the celebration is slightly different, but the same energy and spirit of celebration exists.
So when you hear the drums beating, the music blaring, and people tramping, know that the carnival celebrations in the Caribbean have begun. There is only one ingredient missing: YOU!!
So, join us in the Caribbean as we highlight our past struggles and successes. Make this year one that you will never forget! Come on down and celebrate with us!