Trinidad and Tobago was practically shut down on Tuesday, 17 February. This was as it neared the climax of its famed annual two-day carnival.
This year, the event was dubbed the greatest show on earth. However, it faced pressures of rising costs. As such, it left a growing number of residents in the twin-island Caribbean nation no longer able to afford the escalating participation costs.
Ticket prices for premium parties were moving at nearly USD 700. During this time, the price of costumes in a popular masquerade band exceeded USD 2,000.
Cognisant of rising costs, teachers and musicians are now seeking creative ways to make the carnival more accessible to residents. The forebearers of these participants were slaves barred from participating in such festivities.
Stilt walker Joshua Lamorelle, who stilt walks for free with impoverished communities and teachers, said he gives the children an opportunity to participate in an event that they cannot afford.
The massive carnival street parade began on Monday, 16 February, just a few days shy of schools and businesses closing for the event. Lamorell was seen giving students final pointers. 11-year-old Kanye Simmons sat on a wall to secure stilts to his legs, ahead of a junior parade.
Stiltwalking is Simmons’ favourite pastime. He prefers stilt-walking even more than playing video games. He added that he finds it more educational besides being a lot of fun.
Lamorelle’s mother, Chrisann Clarke, said that she appreciates Lamorelle’s pursuit to educate children on the island’s culture and the history of carnival. She was also grateful that she didn’t have to pay for her son to participate in the parade, which was previously customary.
Clark added that it’s actually excellent, as most parents are unable to afford it.
Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago is celebrated on the two days preceding Ash Wednesday. So, it’s dubbed Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Though not official national holidays, tens of thousands of people don costumes to participate in the street parade.
