Carnival

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash
Wednesday. It is poplar for its colourful costumes and lively celebrations.

History

The Cedula of Population of 1783 laid the foundation and growth of the population of Trinidad.
The Spanish who were in possession of the island, contributed little towards advancements, with
El Dorado the focus, Trinidad was perfect due to its geographical location. French planters with
their slaves, free coloureds and mulattos from neighbouring islands of Martinique, Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines, Grenada, Guadeloupe, and Dominica migrated to the Trinidad during the
French Revolution. The Spanish also gave many incentives to lure settlers to the island,
including exemption from taxes for ten years and land grants in accordance to the terms set out
in the Cedula. These new immigrants establishing local communities of Blanchisseuse, Champs
Fleurs, Cascade, Carenage and Laventille. Trinidad's population jumped to over 15,000 by the
end of 1789, from just under 1,400 in 1777. In 1797, Trinidad became a British crown colony,
with a French-speaking population. This exodus was encouraged due to the French Revolution.

Beginning in 1845, major influxes of indentured immigrants from India and other parts of the
world dramatically changed the ethnic composition of the islands. These indentured servants
brought their own folk music, primarily from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, to the creole mix,
resulting in chutney music. In addition to Indians, Syrians, Portuguese, Chinese and Africans
came to the islands in waves between 1845 and 1917, and even after.

Origin

The Mas tradition started in the late 18th century with French plantation owners organizing
masquerades (mas) and balls before enduring the fasting of Lent. Indentured laborers and the
slaves, who could not take part in Carnival, formed their own, parallel celebration called
"Canboulay". Canboulay is a precursor to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, and has played an
important role in the development of the music of Trinidad and Tobago.
Jab Jab

The name of this mas is derived from the French patois for 'Diable Diable" meaning a pretty
devil mas resembling a mediaeval jester's costume. The costume consists of a Kandal or satin
knickers, and satin shirt which are divided into panels of alternating colours with points of cloth
at the waist, from which bells hang. On the chest, there is a shaped cloth panel which is
decorated with swansdown, rhinestones and mirrors. Stockings and alpagatas are worn on the
feet, while the headress consists of a hood with stuffed cloth horns. The Jab Jab has a thick whip
of plaited hemp which he swings and cracks threateningly. These whips can reduce the costumes
of other Jab Jabs to threads.