Tobago carnival goes into high gear

WITH Tobago gearing up to host its third annual October carnival, Army J’Ouvert together with Countrie Bookie and Showtime Carnival will launch five days of events on July 27 on Crown Point.

The five events are Army Fete, an ultra-premium J’Ouvert – Camp Black Rock, an all-inclusive Glow Mas – Illumi nation – Tobagoglow, parade of the bands – Colours of Crusoe Isle and a cooler cool down – Hasta La Vista.

Bandleader of Army J'Ouvert Kevon Ottley said: “It is one bundle – we will launch at Aasha’s Lounge in Crown Point. It is not just a bandlaunch, but the five days of event will be launched with the five events. We have not started the registrations just yet, but we have had a lot of interest. We wanted to launch first so that the information would be outside and then everybody could understand what it is they’re getting for their monies. So the registration will take place thereafter.”

President of the Tobago October Carnival Association, Dexter Sandy said there has been a significant increase in interest in this year’s celebration.

“From the bands side of things, the bands are out doing a lot of marketing of all their sections and the different offerings in terms of J’Ouvert, pretty mas and also night mas – so a lot of that activity is happening right now in Tobago. I know bands from Trinidad are also on the ground actively marketing – so that is what is going well at this point in time.”

With regards transportation to and from the island, he said they have not been in direct contact with the Port Authority or Caribbean Airlines just yet.

“We have been monitoring their website for the availability of seats and we’re already seeing where the Friday to come to Tobago is oversubscribed even on the Saturday itself, the return to Trinidad on the Monday is also oversubscribed you can’t get any tickets right now.

"We’re not sure when they would add flights but we’re hopeful for that. The THA has formally indicated to us that the ferry service would see an increase for that weekend because the TT Spirit is scheduled to come back on route, so with that happening, we are going to see additional movement by the ferry service for passengers.”

President of the Tobago Promoters Association (TPA) Kevon McKenna said that his association is fully prepared.

“Two out of three editions of our calendar of events have already been introduced, and we have been working closely with other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is included, and no one is left behind in this process. We are actively engaging and coordinating with others to create a carnival experience that is inclusive and engaging for all.”

On June 22, Jade Monkey Mas launched its costumes. Contacted for an update on their offerings, bandleader Seon Anthony said: “Jade monkey mas pumping. We’re definitely pumping, the website is doing really well. There is a new feature that we’ve put in place that is doing well too, that is the add to cart where you can save for another time so that’s doing really, really good with the live online registration.

“All is different sections are doing good as well at their respective mas camp locations – we’re pumping, we’re ready.”

Their J’Ouvert section is themed – Monkey See, Monkey Do, while the pretty mas is themed Tobago Festivals.

While Monkey See, Monkey Do is one section, Tobago Festivals is split into five sections – Jazz, Blue Food, Great Race, Heritage and FAWW party section.

Zain Carnival has also teased masqueraders, releasing four sections – Moulin Rouge, Le Magnifique Gadsby, Noir and Savoir Faire via social media.

“We have put out all our offerings, now we are more or less going to ramp up our marketing.”

Bandleader Erlan Clarke said, “People are registering, and we’ve seen a return of more clients this year compared to last year. We have persons as far as France coming in this year for the festival. They have already registered with their flights already booked.”

The Tobago market, he said is another story.

“In Tobago, we’re kind of last minute but we’re going to try and give some incentives to see if we can get them on board because we really want them to be involved and part take in the festival. Word of mouth is the best marketing tool, so we’re going to try to market to the Tobago market and see if that helps.”

His challenge at this stage however is transportation for his regional and international masqueraders.

“Flights are full for the most part so some of our masqueraders are clamouring for more flights to be added on. The THA has indicated that they’re having conversations with Caribbean Airlines, so we’re on a wait and hold.

“We chose to go a different direction this year – our costumes are more eco-friendly. We didn’t just design costumes with that idea to just use it for the one day and just throw it away. So, some parts of the costumes are reusable that they can either wear it to a wedding or a birthday party, an all inclusive in the future because we see the need to be more eco friendly and more sustainable to help the environment.”

The island’s largest mas band, Fog Angels, has also begun registration for their band Cocktails and Bacchanal.

Bandleader Tele Cruz said the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with a significant number of revellers already signed up to join the festivities.

“The team at Fog Angels is working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for an unforgettable carnival. From costume designs to event planning, every detail is being carefully crafted to provide an exceptional experience for all participants. If you haven't registered yet, now is the perfect time to secure your spot and be a part of this spectacular celebration.”

Tobago Carnival is scheduled to take place from October 25-27.