Death to the Traditionalists

Over the years I have always found that the closer the time gets to Carnival Monday and Tuesday, the more exciting and sentimental one becomes. Part of this feeling comes from going to see the old mas characters. Somehow this show provides a sense of history and continuity of the art form. However, in the past few years, the old mas portrayals have been steadily lessening. But what makes it sadder is that there are also fewer and fewer people going to the event.

I am not sure why this is the case and can only speculate. it may be that there are so many things to go to that cost more and thus cannot be missed. It may have been because pan finals took place in San Fernando San this year for the first time? Or it may be that the show has not expanded on its theme and people feel that every year it is the same thing. Whatever the cause, the presence of more photographers than spectators may prove its demise. - Adele


At this year's traditional Mas in St. James and at Adam Smith Square fewer characters took park. The video clip includes most of the Traditional characters from Trinidad and Tobago. From Fancy Sailors to the Dame Lorraine, Burrokeet,Cow Bands, Midnight Robbers, the Pierrot Grenade, the Bat, the Burrokeet, Jab Molassie and finally the Moko Jumbie, and the Bookman devil.