“Reminiscing on the past, savouring our moments and creating endless moments of Kayak Mas,” is the theme under which the 2023 Carriacou Carnival will be held from Feb 16-21.
The national queen show will kick off the festivities where six young ladies representing the communities of B.B.H (Belmont, Belle Vue and Harvey Vale), Bogles, Six Roads, L’Esterre and Petite Martinique and mainland Grenada, will compete in five categories. These are Introduction, Talent, Costume, Swimwear and Evening Gown/Question.
The lineup of the major activities includes Soca, Groovy and Calypso Monarch competitions, Fancy Mas parade, J’ouvert, Shakespeare Mas parade and last lap jump on the streets of Hillsborough.
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 festival on October 28 at the Hillsborough tennis court,
Chairman of the Carriacou Carnival Committee, Princess John spoke highly of one of the island’s major festival, which returns after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The way we celebrate from Shakespeare Mas to J’ouvert is so unique to Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” she said, describing Carnival as “an explosion of colour, music and originality with dazzling costumes and unmatched enjoyment for partying.”
She stated that aspects of the Carnival have shown improvement over the years, noting that the artistes and their music are ranking among the best in the world.
The Chairman announced that there will be an award and cocktail ceremony to show appreciation to contributors to the Carnival.
Senior Cultural Officer in the Ministry of Culture, Adrian Mark, who represented Minister of Culture, Hon Ron Redhead, who was unable to be present, commended the Committee and stakeholders for ensuring the return of the annual festival after a two-year break.
As he encouraged the development of the festival, suggesting that it be taken to schools, Mark noted that “Carriacou has a very rich culture, which we don’t want to see die.” Therefore, he pledged the ministry’s support to the carnival’s success.
The launch saw five of the queen contestants introducing themselves to the audience with the exception of Miss Grenada, who was unable to be present.
Three of the Mas bands for the pageant displayed elements of their 2023 portrayal along with two Monday Night Mas bands. There was also a display by Shakespeareans and performances by groovy and power soca artistes.
