The Caribbean is a region known not only for its sun, sand and sea, but its festivals. Also known as ‘Caribbean Carnival’, these festivals have spread to the diaspora. Oxford Dictionaries define carnival as, “a period of public revelry at a regular time each year, typically during the week before Lent in Roman Catholic countries, involving processions, music, dancing, and the use of masquerade.” The term and concept of ‘carnival’ originated in Italy, however, with the influence of African culture, carnivals in the Caribbean took on its own form. It can be understood that the modern carnival was born out of colonialism and eventually freedom. According to Julia Hewitt: "In the Caribbean, carnival as a mode of performing resistance, carries the memory of repression and sacrifice, but also of hope, in a sense of becoming other." It is believed that the first Caribbean festival started on the island of Trinidad and Tobago during the 18th century. From Trinidad and Tobago, the festival spread to other islands. Then infused with local cultures of that country to form its own unique ‘carnival’. In this essay, the evolution of three festivals in the Caribbean and its diaspora will be examined. These three festivals are Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, New York’s Labor Day Carnival and London’s Notting Hill Carnival. Thus showing the growth and visibility of not only ‘carnival’ but Caribbean culture.
Many festivals in the Caribbean reflect the region’s strong history. As such, it holds ties to plantation life or religious beliefs. It started as a means to celebrate and enjoy life; to preserve cultural traditions, and reflect on cultural diversity. In the diaspora, it is a way to keep the connection between the Caribbean and the people abr...
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...trimental to their interests and provoked young blacks to pelt paraders with stones, cans and bottles. Such disruptions contributed to the cancellation of the Harlem festival.” Thus, showing that even abroad the Carnival wasn’t without its political adversaries. In the 1960s, Carlos Lezema who headed the association was granted permission to hold the festival in Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. His daughter, Yolanda Lezama-Clark, now overlooks the festival as president.
Works Cited
"carnival: definition of carnival in Oxford dictionary ..." Insert Name of Site in Italics. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2014 .
Richard Scehner
Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival
http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/Carnival/tabid/105/Default.aspx?PageContentMode=1#80
Julia Hewitt
15. Burton, Richard D.E. Afro-Creole: Power, Opposition and Play in the Caribbean. (1997). Cornell University Press.
Throughout the history of the Dominican Republic certain heritage groups have played an important role in creating the Dominican culture. The Taino gave the Dominicans their love of Mother Nature, the African slaves gave them their physical appearance and the Spanish conquistadors shaped the Dominican’s language and religion. Although some influences are more dominant than others, overall the Dominican culture is a mix of three heritage groups that create a unique and intriguing culture.
Throughout the world indigenous peoples have been resisting and rebelling against the colonial system, also known as the 'Babylon' system to Rastafarians, modern-day descendants of the Maroons. The origins of the concept of 'Babylon' in relation to rastafarianism and indigenous resistance will be discussed in greater detail. The following essay is an exploration of indigenous resistance in Jamaica and throughout the world. Reggae music has evolved as a form of social commentary and because of its international popularity the message is spread around the world.
Manuel, Peter Lamarche. Caribbean Currents: Caribbean music from rumba to reggae. Philadelphia: Temple University Class, 1995.
The mass of almost one hundred thousand is edgy. The night is hot, humid, and alive with a feeling in the air so palpable you can almost trace it with your finger. The bleachers are filled to maximum capacity, along a mile-long stretch of paved roadway adjacent to an old brewery. People from all races, classes, and countries are celebrating together at the culmination of the orgiastic, pre-Lenten, hedonistic festival of Carnival. Soon, the first marchers proceed down the corridor to the booming cacophony of bass, snare, and friction drums. The rattling of tambourines, bells, and scrapers add flavor and accent. Like a bird set free, the singing cavaquinho (ukulele) emits its high pitched cries, adding to the frenzy. The marchers and dancers, with their quick, physical movements, undulating hips and heel steps, embody the living sound. It is time for the annual celebration once again in Brazil, time for Carnival, a time once again for the ultimate physical expression of joy: Samba.
societies to reexamine their view of the Caribbean. In this paper the following topics in The
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