Exactly 38 years ago, history was created when T&T Carnival was celebrated in May, on May 1-2 to be exact. Well, history is about to repeat itself with more mas in May–a double dose actually–with the snap General Elections scheduled for May 24, and Point Fortin Borough Day mas taking place tomorrow. All roads lead to Point Fortin from as early as tonight for the start of Borough Day mas, beginning with J'Ouvert celebrations at 5 am. With the festivities already at fever pitch from this past week's daily activities, today's events include a birthday party at Coronation Park and a Fireworks Display tonight, at the same venue.
Hopefully tomorrow's steelband and costume parade will not be like the 1972 Carnival, when torrential rain played havoc with the people's mas. Following tomorrow's J'Ouvert through the streets of the Borough, after lunch will see the parade of traditional and pretty mas. There have been rumours of some stakeholders baulking at the idea at having the latter, preferring to keep the street parade exclusively for traditional costumes.
Models Soowan Bramble, Candice Worrell and Karlon Richards display Chinese and African costumes for Royalty's J'Ouvert presentation titled Real Unity.
Pretty mas on parade
Nonetheless, expected to create a sensation through the streets of Point Fortin, from 3 pm, are 2010 Band of the Year (Medium) Ronnie & Caro, and perennial favourite Legacy, led by "Big Mike" Antoine and Juliet de la Bastide. Said Legacy bandleader, Big Mike, this week, "this is a wonderful opportunity to again promote our culture and keep Carnival alive outside of the regular season. "At the same time, we also give back to our masqueraders who look forward to a day of culture, fun and another 'jump' in their Carnival 2010 costumes."
Mike assured that Legacy's celebration, like that of Ronnie & Caro, on the streets of Point Fortin, will be an all-inclusive experience, as free drinks and snacks will be provided, as well as round trip transport by bus from Port-of-Spain. Music will be provided by MK Promotions, featuring top radio DJs and personalities, and Legacy's security will be in full effect. Carib leads a slew of sponsors, including Blue Waters, Coca Cola, Angostura and Digicel, of whom Big Mike was high in praise. To be a part of Legacy for Point Fortin Borough Day, further information can be obtained by calling 362-5959; or, Legacy Mas Camp (622-7466), between 10am-6.30 pm.
Popular soca artiste TC Jigga seems happy being flanked by two masqueraders at last year's J'Ouvert celebrations in Point Fortin.
Chocolate for J'Ouvert
Also heading south in the morning is popular Woodbrook J'Ouvert band Chocolate City, with its presentation entitled The Make Up Edition. CC has etched a space for itself in J'Ouvert mas, previously producing Rio, The 3Sum Affair and Fore Play. The band congregates in the morning at two o'clock, in front of the PNM office carpark in Point Fortin. It's an all-inclusive affair, costing $350, and a pre-J'Ouvert party is planned before masqueraders hit the street at 5 am. Expected to accompany CC along the route are top soca acts Iwer George, Eddie Charles, Blaxx, Pelf and Desiree Paul.
Pan on D Move
The Pan on D Move parade is scheduled to begin at 5 pm and is expected to showcase several of the nation's top steelbands. Point Fortin Borough 30th Anniversary Celebrations culminate on Sunday with a number of events, beginning with a Dragon Boat Regatta, the Single Pan Extravaganza, and a Cool Down, in Guapo, and at the Clifton Hill Beach and Carpark. Later in the evening, the Bedrock premium all-inclusive party, at Lake Asphalt, brings the curtain down on what has been a month of exciting festivities.