Carnival is a major event here in Dominica. Like in other parts of the world that celebrate Carnival, it’s become a big party, complete with parades, concerts, loud music and a heavy dose of rum. Those who are more religious do not participate in festivities, but the majority of people here look forward to Carnival like kids look forward to Christmas. In fact, I heard one Dominican wish another “Happy Holidays” as they said goodbye for the long weekend.
The parades and “Jump Ups” are the more unique aspects of Carnival here. The parades are unique in the costumes that they wear. Some are elaborate, colorful feathered costumes, complete with broad wings and wheels to support their weight. Others are “Sensi” costumes, which look like hunters’ camouflage “Ghillie Suits”, with thousands of strips of fabric or plastic bag (usually the material used to make them) coming off the suit, making them look like a giant pom-pom. Here’s a picture of Alden with one of the Sensi dancers at a jump up last year.
The picture below shows the inside of some of these costumes that are airing out before they’re worn for the parade. You can see that these costumes are made with an old jacket as the base, and all of the fabric is sewn onto the jacket. I can only imagine how these costumes are to wear in 80 degree heat while dancing! 
The jump ups are basically street parties as far as we can tell. The major feature appears to be a truck overloaded with loudspeakers and a band (if the town has one) or a DJ. The music always seems to be louder than the speakers can handle, so sound is distorted and deafening. The party follows the truck as it crawls through the town, everyone dancing, shouting, drinking, and clapping their hands.
If you happen to get stuck behind the jump up, as we have, the best thing to do is park and join the party.
The parades and “Jump Ups” are the more unique aspects of Carnival here. The parades are unique in the costumes that they wear. Some are elaborate, colorful feathered costumes, complete with broad wings and wheels to support their weight. Others are “Sensi” costumes, which look like hunters’ camouflage “Ghillie Suits”, with thousands of strips of fabric or plastic bag (usually the material used to make them) coming off the suit, making them look like a giant pom-pom. Here’s a picture of Alden with one of the Sensi dancers at a jump up last year.
The picture below shows the inside of some of these costumes that are airing out before they’re worn for the parade. You can see that these costumes are made with an old jacket as the base, and all of the fabric is sewn onto the jacket. I can only imagine how these costumes are to wear in 80 degree heat while dancing! The jump ups are basically street parties as far as we can tell. The major feature appears to be a truck overloaded with loudspeakers and a band (if the town has one) or a DJ. The music always seems to be louder than the speakers can handle, so sound is distorted and deafening. The party follows the truck as it crawls through the town, everyone dancing, shouting, drinking, and clapping their hands.
If you happen to get stuck behind the jump up, as we have, the best thing to do is park and join the party.
Sounds like things are off to a fun start! Not missing much here...no snow, but approached 40 degrees today, which felt balmy. Happy Valentines Day to you all! Glad the laptop was found...
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us up to date with the blog. Loving the posts and hearing the tales. I am just imagining "the noodle" at the jump up. You must be having a delightful time. Big hugs!
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