Jouvay!!!
What is jouvay? Well, I had to find the history of jouvay b/c I wasn't able to put it in my own words. I got the info off of http://www.itzcaribbean.com. I have never been to a jouvay celebration not even here in the US so I am extremely excited to be goin in Trinidad for the first time. I have decided not to play in a jouvay band b/c I figured all the money I have spent on my costume & all di fetes I might as well just go & jump up for free right.? Lol! I am looking forward to get rel dutty! Her is di history on Jouvay:
J'ouvert or Jouvay is at the heart of Trinidad carnival, and is also celebrated in other Eastern Caribbean islands. The name J'ouvert originates from the French jour ouvert, meaning day break or morning, and signals the start of the bacchanalia that is Carnival. Jouvert is highly traditional and full of symbols culture and heritage. It is steeped in tradition and playing mud mas involves participants known as Jab Jabs. covering themselves – from head to toe - and others in paint, chocolate, mud, white powder or anything for that matter. It is Jouvert custom that no one is clean, and a common site to see a newcomer being hugged by a muddy revelers. This traditional part of Carnival starts at around 2 in the morning and finishing after sunrise. Calypso and soca music are the dominating sounds of Jouvert in Trinidad the mass of revellers takes the street party winning and chipping their way to the savannah in Port of Spain in the early hours of Lundi Gras, before the daytime carnival parades. The roots of Jouvert in Trinidad go back 200 years, with the arrival of French plantation owners. The French never colonised Trinidad, however elements of their culture remained. J’Ouvert evolved from the Canboulay festivals in the 1800’s, which were night time celebrations where the landowners dressed up and imitated the negres jardins (garden slaves). Following emancipation the newly freed slaves took over canboulay, now imitating their former masters imitating them.Canboulay revellers, who carried lighted cane torches, were seen as a potential risk by the authorities, and the tension mounted leading to the Canboulay riots. It was eventually banned, and then was re established as Jouvert.The spectacular costumes represent characters and events from the history and folklore. Moko Jumbie Bats, Bookmen, Baby dolls, jab molassie, devil mas are all traditional Carnival characters that capture the elements of the past, and continue to tell the story.
I decided to post some of the jovay bands for 2K7 here as well for those of you who have chosen to play in a jouvay band.
Blue DevilsInfo: 868-499-1469 868-629-3997
Chocolate CityInfo: 868-625-8MAS 868-685-0738 www.dkrewecarnival.com
Cocoa DevilsInfo: www.dcocoacrew.com
Boom Champions 94.1FM - 2007 Presentation: "COLOUR ME ORANGE"Info: 868-625-3194 www.city94fm.com
InsomniacsMas Camp: #5 Bengal St. St James, Port of Spain, Trinidad W.I.Info: 868-622-6017 insomniacs.crew@gmail.com
Jungle FeverMas Camp: 8 Luis St (Woodbrook)Info: 868-776-0521
Mas Jumbies - 2007 Presentation: "DIABLE"Info: www.MasJumbies.com
Mudders InternationalMas Camp: 'Mess Hall' - corner of Barbados Av & Long Circular Rd (Federation Park)Info: www.muddersinternational.net
Playtime - 2007 Presentation: "SAVAGE ISLAND"Info: 868-624-2844 gmeltd@tstt.net.tt www.playjouvert.com
Red AntsInfo: N/A
Section EightInfo: 868.789.6168
Silver Mudders InternationalInfo: 868.622.3776 868 681.5987 www.silvermudders.com
Yellow DevilsInfo: 868.681.4967
4 comments:
Hi Trini by Injection - I debated whether I was going to play in a band (Red Ants) for J'Ouvert this year b c of all the high fete prices. My decision was to PLAY MY J'OUVERT. I enjoy the fetes but I am heading to TNT for carnival and want the whole experience. I have played with J'Ouvert in the past and I must say I love the JUMP, the PAINT, the MUD, and the fact that I don't have to look all pretty and put together.
I like playing in a band b c of the t-shirt and the stupid cup...LOL. I recycle my J'Ouvert shirts at DC Carnival...so my shirts have history.
I also recycle my headpieces from TNT - sometimes in Miami and New York.
You are too funny! I debated for a min too about playin in a jouvay band but to be honest wit you, my hubby loves to fete. Lol!
Well girl like I mention to you I was planning to play in a band called "Chocolate City". But I now decided that I'll just not play in a band and still have the same amount of fun. So Trini here I come...it's all about FUN FUN AND MORE FUN.
Well Woi Woi to dat & more WOI!!! Lol!
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