It
has typically been the perception that carnival was brought to Jamaica in 1990;
however it was the previous year that saw over 300 revellers hitting the streets
of Kingston to partake in the very first carnival parade by the Oakridge Boys.
Unable to get their yearly T&T carnival “fix”, the resourceful posse
decided to bring the fun to them. Thus it was a bright Sunday morning in 1989
on which Jamaica was treated to the first Mas parade, “Paradise” by
the Oakridge Boys, Carnival in Jamaica was born!
Throughout
the years, Jamaica has seen the emergence of inventive Mas Bands whom have imprinted
their special touch to making Carnival in Jamaica unlike any other. When the group
Revellers introduced their Pretty Mas costumes, Kingston was treated to
striking designs in rich and vibrant colors rivaling those of any other island.
Many of their costumes were and still are designed and manufactured right here
in Jamaica. Another group who has shaped Carnival in Jamaica is the Midnight
Raider’s Crew. Pioneering J'ouvert in Jamaica; some 13 years later the
sight of thousands of paint covered masqueraders dancing through the streets of
Kingston at 3am in the morning during the Bacchanal J'ouvert road march still
amazes many.
The
year 2001 marked another milestone for carnival in the island as these three top
bands, Oakridge, Revellers and Raiders, merged into the dynamic
entity now known as Bacchanal Jamaica. Now the leading Mas Band in the
island with signature events, Bacchanal Jamaica still strives to continuously
improve upon the carnival experience. Boasting an all-inclusive band, live entertainment
on the road, and impeccable security Bacchanal Jamaica promises to deliver more
fun, more fetes and even more Bacchanal.
Since
Carnival was introduced to Jamaica, it quickly took root on this fun-loving island
to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Now one of the
biggest events on the island, the festival includes two months of near non-stop
partying and attracts crowds in excess of 100,000 to some of the bigger events.
The fun and frivolity are not limited to Kingston, although this is where the
grand Road Parade and many of the main events take place. Montego Bay, Negril
and practically every corner of the island get in on the act at some time over
the carnival period, with most events taking place during Easter week. Jamaica
takes the essence of Trinidad carnival and adds variations of its own. Carnival
kicks off with Beach Jouvert and ends with the Road March, a costumed street parade
where revellers enjoy soca, calypso and reggae music.
It
has typically been the perception that carnival was brought to Jamaica in 1990;
however it was the previous year that saw over 300 revellers hitting the streets
of Kingston to partake in the very first carnival parade by the Oakridge Boys.
Unable to get their yearly T&T carnival “fix”, the resourceful posse
decided to bring the fun to them. Thus it was a bright Sunday morning in 1989
on which Jamaica was treated to the first Mas parade, “Paradise” by
the Oakridge Boys, Carnival in Jamaica was born!
Throughout
the years, Jamaica has seen the emergence of inventive Mas Bands whom have imprinted
their special touch to making Carnival in Jamaica unlike any other. When the group
Revellers introduced their Pretty Mas costumes, Kingston was treated to
striking designs in rich and vibrant colors rivaling those of any other island.
Many of their costumes were and still are designed and manufactured right here
in Jamaica. Another group who has shaped Carnival in Jamaica is the Midnight
Raider’s Crew. Pioneering J'ouvert in Jamaica; some 13 years later the
sight of thousands of paint covered masqueraders dancing through the streets of
Kingston at 3am in the morning during the Bacchanal J'ouvert road march still
amazes many.
The
year 2001 marked another milestone for carnival in the island as these three top
bands, Oakridge, Revellers and Raiders, merged into the dynamic
entity now known as Bacchanal Jamaica. Now the leading Mas Band in the
island with signature events, Bacchanal Jamaica still strives to continuously
improve upon the carnival experience. Boasting an all-inclusive band, live entertainment
on the road, and impeccable security Bacchanal Jamaica promises to deliver more
fun, more fetes and even more Bacchanal.
Since
Carnival was introduced to Jamaica, it quickly took root on this fun-loving island
to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Now one of the
biggest events on the island, the festival includes two months of near non-stop
partying and attracts crowds in excess of 100,000 to some of the bigger events.
The fun and frivolity are not limited to Kingston, although this is where the
grand Road Parade and many of the main events take place. Montego Bay, Negril
and practically every corner of the island get in on the act at some time over
the carnival period, with most events taking place during Easter week. Jamaica
takes the essence of Trinidad carnival and adds variations of its own. Carnival
kicks off with Beach Jouvert and ends with the Road March, a costumed street parade
where revellers enjoy soca, calypso and reggae music.