Tribe
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sat 25 Jul 2009 22:43
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Tribe
Troy our outboard engineer told us of
a night out called 'Tribe'. Basically it is the night
where the top fifteen or so costumes for the next carnival are showcased. People
can choose one they fancy and join the tribe on the day of carnival and shimmy
round the circuit. Troy picked us up at 23:00, drove us the fifteen minutes to
Pier One and saw us safely inside before going to meet up with some business
acquaintances, joining us later on. The men on entry were swiped for weapons,
everyone was in good spirit - drinks were free all night. Very different to the
UK where no alcohol is often the policy.
   The
entrance, men went to the left. One of the water
features.
   The drinks tents were down both sides of the arena. One of the Digicel
dancers and the troupe.
 Of course Bear went for a closer look
ONLY to get a flashing necklace giveaway. Meantime a disco was blaring out on main stage
  I spotted this policeman having a quiet jiggle, handcuffs flashing in the
lights. Then at one am the show proper began, as the first
costume came out amid a shower of feathers, the crowd roared.
     Basically the first of a group shows
the 'Full Monty' and the following wear less and less. If you see something you
like you can order it to wear on the carnival day. Becoming one of the tribe.
The largest number there has been is just over three thousand. Awesome just
thinking about it - that many people dressed alike. The main outfit may cost
£300, the others £100 down to about £30.
 
  The outfits are just as spectacular
from the back as the front. Boys outfits getting showcased. All sorts of materials are
used for dazzling effect, main material this
year is silk, of course with many feathers.
    
    Perhaps a little too keen with the
smoke jet?
 Our particular favourite it's the colour you know - nothing else, "yes dear,
put your eyes away before they fall on the floor and stop
dribbling"
 Then everyone came on
stage.
    The finale was several rap artists
then a huge firework display with billions of little
bits of foil paper
   Brilliant
display
 Net result - A Tribe on
carnival day
We left at four am, not really
feeling how late or early it was because it was such a special experience.
Despite the free alcohol no-one trod on our toes, pushed or shoved, spilt drink
over us, parted to let us through and was an extremely good and enthusiastic
crowd. We saw no trouble and at no time felt uncomfortable. Trinidad can get bad
press but we have found the people charming.
ALL IN ALL A WONDERFUL
EVENING
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