The Stage Not Good Again — Trinidad Carnival 2020 Review
Trinidad Carnival 2020: MasQuerader perspective on the road with Lost Tribe Carnival
HISTORY:
Carnival is an annual cultural festival that means so much to the West Indian diaspora. Trinidad Carnival in particular is one that means so much to the Trinidadian diaspora — it is rooted in our history. For a brief historical overview of Carnival please see the introduction of my Trinidad Carnival 2019 Review.
Long live we carnival!
ON THE ROAD WITH LOST TRIBE CARNIVAL 2020
“Tell dem’ when me and my section touch down is troubleeee…” — Iwer George.
Trinidad Carnival 2020 was nothing short of amazing.
For 2020, Lost Tribe Carnival brought us another year of boldness and a clear theme with their 2020 Anansi collection. A story was told.
ANANSI is a work that is being done to remind us of where we came from and the power of our history. The power of our process and the power of who we are.
ANANSI has been quietly weaving his web around me and the stories of our LOST TRIBE for years and has now tied us all together in a beautiful tapestry that shows our past five years and welcomes our next.
Our stories have alway been connected and each year will always be part of a bigger story that is being written. One day we will look back and read a story that we were a part of and smile as if we are seeing it for the first time. — Lost Tribe Carnival
It should be noted that Lost Tribe moves with purpose, as the 2019 Band of the Year, the expectations were high and they did not disappoint. If you are choosing to play with Lost Tribe, keep in mind that this band is fashion forward and isn’t afraid to have you in full costume, a true masquerading experience.
COSTUME PICKUP:
9/10 — Lost Tribe custom pick up was one of the smoothest costume pick ups that I have experienced to date. For someone who registered last minute and was not paid in full, I had very little wait time. We were given one of two tickets (red or green). We were given areas to sit and wait until our numbers were called. There was a bar nearby if you were hungry or parched in the meantime. One stag later, I was called to a pay for and collect my costume. Once I received my costume, I signed what I needed to and got out of there — back to the pump. A costume pickup should never have you spending your whole day/evening waiting to collect.
The costume came in this dope bright yellow box. Upon opening the box, I fell in love with the shorts. I played in the section Finyezi designed by Shandelle Loregnard. Something about the shade of green really got my attention. So back to the shorts, the pocket was spacious and has a zipper! If anyone knows me well, they know I tend to lose things during carnival. This pocket. saved me from wearing a fanny and was everything I needed. Round of applause for secure pockets! Big ups to the designer.
Further, that attention grabbing mask (although I hate covering my face) was out of this world. I didn’t know how I would survive at first, but I got adjusted to the mask early Tuesday and used it as a visor whenever I needed a break. You may or may not notice that I was missing the dope vest piece with the two pockets attached to it. I really really wanted those extra pockets on the road. No comment. I actually neglected to check my box before leaving the camp and I registered last minute in a sold out section, so I’ll take that “L”.
Nevertheless, along with the costume, we received this dope baby blue/yellow Lost Tribe duffle bag that contained things such as goodies, lost tribe shot glasses, energy drinks, our road cup, and a heavy duty Lost Tribe canteen. This goodie bag was top tier. Thank you Lost Tribe!
MONDAY & TUESDAY ON THE ROAD:
Monday and Tuesday on the road with Lost Tribe was picturesque. On Monday, mostly everyone wore white with shells — it was “time to shell de placeee”. Unfortunately, I did not get the memo in enough time, so I came out in red, white, black, and skin out. Overall, Monday vibes were truly angelic. As per usual, I was not on time Monday morning. Super thankful for the map of the band route and a shuttle bus at our meeting point making trips for those who needed to catch up with the band.
Lost Tribe lunch was held in Siegert Square Park, tents and blankets were spread out for a moment of relaxation. Bathroom truck on the road was critical and bathrooms at our rest stop of course as well. Plenty of food to choose from, alcohol infused icees, refreshing drinks, and a live pan band/DJ to help keep the vibes.
Tuesday in the road was amazing. You know when Lost Tribe is coming down the road because the costumes make you look twice, three times even. Lost Tribe as a whole looked like an army of vibrant colors. The costumes were quality and elaborate. Each section had its own personality and represented a small chapter of the story this band was telling.
VIBES:
This was the first band I’ve played with in a while that crossed both the Savannah stage and Socadrome. Additionally, this was the longest route I’ve ever chipped in Trinidad. It was when we entered Queens Savannah Park, that I got a moment to witness the energy truly release from this band. As we entered to the sweet sound of Soca blasting from the big truck, spectators took photos and video of us — it was showtime. The anticipation as we waited to cross the stage could be felt. Everyone got into their sections and kept the vibes up as if we were chipping down the road.
When it was time to cross, the band had a well organized dance presentation prior to the sections crossing the stage and it raised my pores to say the least. Even the Moko Jumbies who were on the road with us crossed the stage. Truth be told, crossing the stage(s) with this band was a 10/10 moment for sure. My section had energyyy and I’m certain we were on the stage for longer than we needed to be.
This band overall was composed of individuals of all ages. I’d say that older millennials and up make up most of the band. A mature but vibesy crowd for sure. I don’t think I saw a denied wine on the road; everyone was respectful and waistlines were active whole day. Everyone was constantly complimenting and taking photos of/with one another — a genuine vibe.
Tuesday was concluded of course by “Last Lap”, a meeting of sister bands LOST TRIBE X TRIBE X BLISS X HARTS X PURE X ROGUE. It was a movie! Imagine all these beautiful bands and vibes in one area. Great way to meet up with family, friends, and social media mutuals that you did not get a chance to see on the road. 10/10 experience and a great way to end the night.
Played Mas in Trinidad for Carnival?
Tell me about your experience.
