One of the best things about Carnival in TT is that you don’t have to leave your community to enjoy the festivities. While many people flock to Port of Spain or San Fernando for J’Ouvert, the rural village of Mayaro has found the perfect formula for smaller communities.
The Mayaro Culture and Events Committee (MCEC) kicked off their J’Ouvert celebrations at Mayaro Junction (Peter Hill) at 4 am. According to MCEC Public Relations Officer Shawn Charles, attendees arrived earlier than usual this year.
“I don’t know why,” he said. “Maybe it’s because word spread about how much fun people had last year. They were waiting on us to start even before 4 O’clock.”
[caption id="attachment_1142197" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Revellers enjoy Mayaro J'Ouvert celebrations hosted by the Mayaro Culture and Events Committee at Peter Hill on Carnival Monday. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Despite receiving less funding from the National Carnival Commission (NCC) this year, MCEC was grateful for bpTT’s sponsorship of Mayaro Gras, which included the calypso and king & queen of bands competition. MCEC Chairperson Roxanne Omalo successfully defended her title as carnival queen. This year’s theme was Magical Mystic: Meet We on the Junction.
Although production for the weekend’s events was scaled down, success came through the dedication of committee members. “We have a group of young, enthusiastic individuals who brought their expertise together to bring the production to life,” Charles added.
NCC Chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters and Mayaro MP Rushton Paray were among those in attendance. Peters, a former MP for the area, joined in the celebrations, which also featured live performances from M1 aka Menace and Swappi.
[caption id="attachment_1142198" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A group of friends with their teddy bear enjoy Sangre Grande J'Ouvert on the Eastern Main Road on Carnival Monday. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Sangre Grande J’Ouvert
The Sangre Grande Festivals Committee can take pride in hosting a well-attended J’Ouvert. Thousands of revelers lined the Eastern Main Road and its surrounding streets, leaving only standing room. While the event had the largest turnout among the Mayaro, Arima, and Brazil Village J'Ouvert events, the traditional elements – mud, oil, paint, and powder – were less prominent. Over time, many smaller J’Ouvert celebrations across the country have evolved into street parties with a splash of colour.
[caption id="attachment_1142199" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Mayaro MP Ruston Paray, centre, gets a dose of coloured powder at Peter Hill (Mayaro Junction) on Carnival Monday morning. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Sangre Grande favourite Marlon Burnett claimed the top spot in the individual competition with his portrayal of Top Cop, a tribute to Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher. Bernadette Rampersad secured second place, also portraying Harewood-Christopher.
Despite a minor altercation at the Sangre Grande Maxi Hub on Brierly Street, t
