J’ouvert
Sunday 13th August
The music has been turned up, it is 3 am and up we go. I have been warned not to wear anything I would not throw away, we are going to get oily and dirty. The streets are coming alive with groups of people (boys and girls) carrying all sorts of vessels full of engine oil. They proceed to smear themselves and anyone passing by with it. And array of helmets with horns in various configuration, dragging heavy chains is also appearing from the gloom, all this on a background of loud hard soca music. It is very atmospheric. Loads of people drinking, dancing and jumping in the street and the crowd getting bigger as daylight breaks. The oil is liberally dispensed to all comers; the favourite way of spreading it is hugging or pouring. Never thought that being covered with engine oil would be so much fun. As the morning breaks, the crowd thickens and changes, the hard core Jab-Jabs are still there but they are now joined by kids and family as well as the colourful mobs; pink, yellows, green and orange are smeared or thrown from the top of the music trucks. There is even a chocolate covering on offer (special for American tourists!)And the streets are now lined with spectators watching the procession as we dance our way to the lagoon. And now it really turns into madness. The road is slick with oil and it seems to help with the dancing (some of it really rude dancing!). we found Francine and Allan in the crowd, and Karen, Will and Max... that was entertaining!
The lagoon offers the opportunity to play with water... it is just mayhem! People jumping in or dousing the crowd with hoses from the fishing boats. Given the amount of drink consumed since 3 this morning, I am amazed by the humour and good nature of the crowd. Just clean good fun. Or maybe not so clean. Love the fact that this merry band of revellers passes right in front of the police station without even checking the rowdy behaviour!
We went back around 11am, and the cleaning team was already spreading sand and collecting rubbish. That’s efficiency for you. As for the marina, a stout lady was waiting at the entrance with a hose, a flannel and detergent. Made short work of this.
Need to go and have a rest the day is not over, we still have the Night Mas to come!
