Grenada-Carnival

Carnival in Grenada is about music and food and people.  Carnival actually starts in June and runs through the beginning of August with Soca and Calypso competitions even a Queen's competition.  With the culmination of events during Dimanche Gras on Sunday.  Here the Soca and Calypso Monarchs are crowned and the beginning of J'Ouvert. J'ouvert is the contraction of the french jour ouvert, roughly translated means "the day has begun", in Grenada perhaps "dusk till dawn" is more appropriate.  As the Jab-Jabs or Devil Mas Bands emerge from the darkness of night and parade through town dancing to the steel drums, soca and calypso music.
Our J'Ouvert begins at 0400, although many of the revelers have been going full bore since Sunday evening.
 Historically, when the plantation owners would have a costum party the slaves would have a party of their own, often mocking the masters.  During these parties they would cover themselves with molasses or oil in order to conceal their identity.  In modern times the devils have taken on a more colorful and playful nature, using bright paints as much as the darker molasses and oil.  J'Ouvert may speak to the darker side of our natures,  however, everyone seems to make a good time of it.
The dazed look on some faces tells how many hours they have been cavorting through the night.  Now is time for some clean up and perhaps a quick nap as the Pageant Mas will begin shortly with the rising of the sun.
With the sun shining overhead and the last few devils giving way to the light, the fancy mas bands take to the streets for the Pageant Mas.  The vibrant and brillant colors are a severe contrast to the demon darkness of the night.

 As the Shortknees make there way ahead of the pack the bands representing all of the islands parishes begin to assemble for the march into St. Georges, the capitol of Grenada.  The beautiful costumes and plumege combine with the most popular calypso and soca songs to make for a very festive afternoon.   

 

 

 As the sun fades so to do the vibrent colors of Pageant Mas.  Carnival Monday is coming to an end although the day will not be going out like a lamb. As the Monday Night Mas bands dance through the streets into the early morning hours of Tuesday, the night will display its own colors as the bands wave their magic wands and the revelers are alight and aglow.  As you can see from the glowing smile that adorns Vicky's face.

Once again it's time to share some time with fellow cruisers.  There's Vicky with Mike of "Happy Times"; Mike and Rebbeca of "Zero to Cruising" with Dena of "Sabbaticus" and of course our fellow Texans John and Sonny.

 

    Now that Carnival has passed us by it is time to return to a more normal life.  We set to our chores of cleaning and maintaing Boto.  Our trips to market for produce and fish.  Couldn't pass up the chance for a huge slab of fresh tuna, 5 lbs $10, we'll be having guests for dinner.  Vicky heads back to MN for a visit and to collect a number of items we need amoung them a new alternator.  We leave the civilized world of the marina behind us and return to anchor in Mt. Hartmna Bay and begin to plan for the next leg once Vicky returns.  Hey we're almost current with this thing!