What is the baby doll carnival character?

The Baby Doll character, a common sight during late 19th Century Carnival, is a satirical portrayal of a mother with an illegitimate baby. Often the masquerader portrays a gaily dressed younger woman, with a frilled dress exposing her legs, gloves, and a large poke bonnet or mob cap.

What is Ole Mas in Trinidad Carnival?

The ole mas tradition some may argue is a protest mas. However, in the scheme of the carnival which is to have fun, the ole mas function was to make a commentary on society’s ills while laughing. It is a pseudo syncretism; protest yes but with tongue in cheek.

What is a Blue Devil in carnival?

One of the most iconic characters portrayed in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, the Blue Devil, or Jab Molassie is one of the oldest forms of ‘Devil Mas’ , and is a figure with its roots firmly set in the history of the island, dating back to the enslavement of black Africans toiling on the sugar estates.

What are two occasions that Tobago jig can be performed for?

The reel is danced on many occasions: at the annual wake for the dead, a boat launching, during times of sickness or recovery, evil or hardship and on bachelor’s night before a wedding.

How did Carnival start in Trinidad?

Historians believe the first “modern” Caribbean Carnival originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the late 18th century when a flood of French settlers brought the Fat Tuesday masquerade party tradition with them to the island, although Fat Tuesday celebrations were almost certainly taking place at least a century before …

What is a traditional Carnival character?

Traditional Mas Characters – Negue Jadin While the slaves and free coloureds were confined to their own segregated celebrations, the plantocracy, on the other hand, was free to imitate the dress and customs of their slaves. The Negue Jadin (or field slave) was one such beloved Carnival costume.

What is J ouvert in Trinidad?

J’ouvert (/dʒuːˈveɪ/ joo-VAY) is a traditional festival known as “break day” or the unofficial start of Carnival, which takes place the Monday before Ash Wednesday. The festival, with origins in Trinidad, traditionally begins at 4 AM and continues until mid morning on Monday.

What is a fancy sailor?

The Fancy Sailor was an off-shoot of the King Sailor. The fancy sailor costume consists of papier-mâché headpieces, decorated and painted to look like birds, animals or plants. The sailor outfit is decorated with ribbons, medals, braiding, swansdown and other embellishments to match the headpieces.

What influences are present in the Tobago jig?

Tobago Jig is a traditional dance form with European and African influences. It is performed in Tobago and is reminiscent of an intricate courtship dance. Although British in origin, its movements were influenced by the Africans. Tambrin (from tambourine) is quintessential Tobago music.

How did the Tobago jig begin?

The reel, jig and salaka (also called the saraka) are indigenous dances which originate in Pembroke, with roots in West African rituals invoking the ancestors and the dead, and accompanied by tambrin music. They have been a tactic for survival, inspiration and resistance since slavery days.

Who are the traditional characters in Trinidad and Tobago?

(Photo courtesy the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago – CITT) One of the lesser-known traditional characters, Soumayree typically consists of a woman on a horse, similar to the Burrokeet costume. It is based on the Hindu rite where the horse was used in worship to the goddess, Durga (Kali).

What kind of costumes do they wear in Trinidad and Tobago?

A wide variety of costumes (called “mas”) depicting traditional Trinidadian Carnival characters are seen throughout the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

Who are the winners of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival?

Ronnie and Caro: This mas band will usually take out the wining title for best costume presentation. The Lost Tribe: This mas band prides itself on going all out. In fact they actually won second place for Best Band of the year, the very first time they paraded.

Who are the main characters in the carnival?

Midnight Robber The Midnight Robber is one of the most beloved colourful traditional carnival characters. Midnight Robber, is immediately identifiable by his extravagant costumes and distinctive speech, called “Robber Talk” The “Robber Talk” is derived from the tradition of the African Griot or storyteller,…