I fell in love with Carnival many, many years ago when I first “played Mas” with some of my Jamaican friends in Miami for Generation X. Dazzled by the vibrant hues and intoxicated by the pulsating sounds of soca music, the exhilarating feeling of wanton abandon and total freedom kept luring me back year after year.
Over time, I added Jamaica (as an observer) and St. Barth to my carnival experiences, but deep down I yearned for so much more. There was something about the ritual of artfully applying makeup (better with a bunch of friends to share in the fun) that made me giddy! Moreover, putting on an ornately bedecked costume piece by piece feels utterly transformative, addictive even. Plus the sound of soca made my pulse quicken, like few things in my life had the ability to do. I was smitten, hopelessly in love … with Carnival!
Soon, I realized my love affair with Carnival could not simply be relegated to a seasonal fling. So I became a Carnival Chaser—someone who attempts to go to as many different Carnivals as possible. This past year, my wanderlust took me to St. Barth, Bermuda, St. Vincent and back to Miami. And in 2017, for the first time, I am planning to go to Trinidad, the granddaddy of all Caribbean Carnivals. I’ve been trying to get to Trinidad for quite a long time, so this is particularly special. For me it will be a pilgrimage of sorts, and I’m open to the wonder and splendor of it all.
Life is beautiful and I’m looking forward to where my Carnival chasing takes me in 2017 and beyond. Most of all, I’m excited about the opportunity to share my experiences with you. After all, #HappyGirlHappyWorld!