Staff Writer Nastasia Grant
Each year the Caribbean prepares for the Carnival season with great expectations and if there was ever a special year to participate in the festivities it’s 2012. Bacchanal Carnival Jamaica was officially launched on March 2, 2012, with Appleton Jamaica as its major sponsor. This year will be distinct as Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, with carnival events kicking off on February 18 th and concluding on April 13 th. The festive season promises to paint the island in many colours with costumes, parades, parties and endless sounds of soca, calypso and reggae music.
If you are feeling depressed and confused due to your financial status this is the time to enjoy yourself and lay your concerns aside for one moment and enjoy carnival life.
Beenie Man at UWI Carnival Parade 2011
People of different social classes are preparing for this event with enthusiasm. Costumes are being made for all different body types and as long as you are an adult you are free to participate. These carnival costumes are always colourful and alluring but can also be very costly. However, there are inexpensive costumes which involve less glitters and feathers. With carnival it pays to be creative, especially if you are not a part of a band or group. Some groups often appear in shorts with cute but expressive t-shirts, which can be styled in so many different ways making their fashion statement. Body painting is another popular way of getting that colourful but sensual look; making you stand apart from the crowd with your personal design. It is important that you research and plan your project to fit your budget.
Look Out
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus will be launching their carnival season this Thursday March 15th at the university’s Student Union. The event will officially unveil their carnival weekend which will run until Sunday March 18th. The carnival activities involve j’ouvert, carnival parade (ring road) and beach j’ouvert. The carnival parade will comprise of students from the various halls of residence parading around the school campus in their flamboyant costumes geared to stimulate the festive dance.
The public is free to participate. Plus, “what would carnival be without college students?” …It will be all about having fun “college style”. See you at the UWI carnival fest!
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