Preparations for the highly anticipated 2019 Carnival celebrations on the sister isle of Carriacou, which is expected to run from February 28 to March 05, have commenced.

The official launch of the 2019 Digicel-sponsored Festival took place on Friday 28 October 2018 at the Hillsborough Tennis Court in Carriacou. The 2019 Carnival will be celebrated under the theme ‘Crave the Music. Explore Traditions. Our Mas, Kayak Mas,’ which speaks directly to the showcasing of their rich culture, music and traditional Mas.

Speaking to the Barnacle was Chairperson of the Carriacou & Petite Martinique Carnival Committee, Mrs Princess Herry-John. According to her, the Committee always wanted to bring back the steel pan to Carriacou Carnival, as it was out for some years. She indicated too that they are in conversation with the relevant persons to have steel pans from the mainland participated in the 2019 Festival. “I can confirm that we will have the steel pan as a new initiative for the 2019 Festival.”

Mrs Herry-John went on to say that Carriacou is classified as the cradle of culture, and over the years they have grown significantly. The proud Head, told the Barnacle they have also noticed an increase in the number of artistes from the sister isle who have made it onto the regional and international stage.

Over the years, the number of patrons attending Carriacou’s annual Carnival has grown. This, according to Mrs Herry-John can be attributed to some things including the unique music from their artistes, their traditional Shakespeare Mas and the early launching and marketing of the Carnival events. “Carriacou has four major Festivals. However, Carnival is the most anticipated and most authentic festival on the island, “ Mrs Herry-John stated. 

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Mrs Herry-John indicated that the 2018 Carriacou Carnival was successful, thanks to their sponsors which include the Government of Grenada through the Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs, National Lotteries Authorities, the Grenada Tourism Authority, and title sponsor Digicel, who has been sponsoring for 14 years.

Mrs Herry-John noted too that the Committee prides itself on having a violent and incident free Carnival, as they work closely with the Royal Grenada Police Force to ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the celebrations.

She took the opportunity to thank the sponsors, patrons, participants, Committee members and everyone who has supported and continue to support Carriacou’s Carnival. She also encouraged the business persons who have not yet come on board, to do so, as she believes there is much more they can achieve to grow Kayak Mas.