REFLECTION & REASON

Photo via Skkan Media Entertainment Needless to say, I'm biased. I think Jamaica Carnival is wonderful. I've never been to Trinidad, and in my 40 years in Toronto I've only missed a handful of Caribana parades. Carnival is an enjoyable passion of mine, and every part of my heart believes that Jamaica Carnival is the perfect storm of carnival excellence! Since attending for the first time in 2017 , I have kept an interested eye on the costumes, promotions, and the overall impact this exciting event is having on Caribbean culture, music, and international vibes overall. As someone who has played mas, built mas, written about mas, and helped to organize and promote mas, I have waved the proverbial flag high and mighty for our local Toronto event, for years. I have studied our carnival and invested time and passion into understanding how I can play my part, how we as Torontonians of Caribbean descent can work together to sustain this event, and I've even tried an e...

Carnival festivities in Jamaica reached a peak for 2018 last weekend during the official road march in downtown Kingston, however, the images and energy keep circulating as visitors return to their homelands, online buzz increases, and more and more bacchanalists declare that 2019 in Kingston for the next edition of Jamaica Carnival is the place to be! Jamaica's Carnival has existed for about thirty years, yet the international excitement and name-brand endorsements are helping this event quickly rise to the top of the list for must-attend carnivals on the annual schedule. It goes in waves, at times, and there are often unavoidable trends in Carnival participation. True carnivalists always know how to follow the pace and the vibes of the hottest fetes, bands, and destinations. Details like events, overall hospitality, the intricacies of costume design and costume section customer service, as well as featured performing artists and DJs all help to build a carnival's reputati...

If I could just settle in Kingston, Jamaica for a full month before the actual road march, I would. The weekly events at the Bacchanal Jamaica mas camp and affiliated venues keep tempting me, but unfortunately I must settle for watching online from Toronto, and living vicariously through my smartphone and media updates. Bacchanal Jamaica director Nicholas Franklin stated that RFB was added to the band's event calendar this year to treat loyal supporters and first-time masqueraders alike to a fresh new concept and venue. Thanks to the Bacchanal Jamaica team and also Jahnai Productions & Management Services for keeping us in the loop on the activities, festivities, and official recaps! Here's a few photos from the RUM FOR BREAKFAST fete    and premium all-inclusive festivities   that took place on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Hope Zoo from 5a.m. to 12p.m., courtesy of our friends at Bacchanal Jamaica! KINGSTON, JAMAICA (March 2018) -...

I just HAD to visit Jamaica for carnival this year . There was no question about it. Ever since the carnival bug hit me during a 2006 "girl's trip" to Miami Carnival, the international phenomenon captured my spirit and had me doing weird and new things like listening to soca music, and playing mas...BUILDING mas, and diving head first into Toronto Carnival. I fell so hard that people close to me didn't know what was going on! In fact, many of them STILL question this niche obsession I have. But, I digress. Like any carnival enthusiast will declare: "You HAVE to experience Trinidad, though!" Admittedly, I have been hesitant. I've seen the pictures, the videos, the fetes, and the costumes. I've heard the stories, and experienced the second-hand enthusiasm and extreme passion that people have for Trinidad Carnival. But still, I hesitated. Jamaican in heritage, I always promised myself that I would NOT touch down on Trinidadian soil for carnival u...