The John Cupid Carnival Village: A Hub For Cultural Expression
The John Cupid Carnival Village is back with a bang and has been drawing huge crowds since its official reopening on January 19.
Speaking at the launch event, NCC Chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters said the Carnival Village will see the coming together of people who offer local cuisine, handicraft vendors, artistes and entertainers to make it a profitable endeavor that’ll stimulate the economy while adding value to our national and cultural growth.
Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell noted that the John Cupid Carnival Village offers many entertainment options and urged members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to immerse themselves in what’s being offered.
He noted as well, the importance of paying homage to the man after whom the village is named. John Cupid was a historian and researcher whose legacy is built on his lifelong commitment to this country.
In the coming weeks, the Carnival Village will be a hub of activity which includes performances by veteran and up-and-coming artistes, pan men and women, stick fighting displays, cultural lectures and traditional carnival characters exhibitions.
The children took center stage on Sunday for the Youth Extravaganza.
Those present were treated to mesmerizing performances by a slew of young soca artistes, calypsonians, dancers and musicians.
YCG took the opportunity to speak to a few attendees and document their feedback.
Rosalind was suitably impressed.
“You see what going on here today? This to me is what carnival is about, is about making space for the children to shine and oh gosh boy, they shining real bright,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Packo.
“This is probably the best thing the NCC ever do. Them children here could complete on big stage, they ready. It’s good they have this place here to showcase their talent.”
Meanwhile, Jo said she was rendered speechless by the raw talent of T&T’s children.
“Meh pores raise inno. Those children are AMAZING!!! Talent in spades. Yuh see Coryn, Zachary, Young Kymani, Celine Hospedales, Celine Charles, the 10-year-old dancer, the 5-year-old calypsonian, the young man from QRC, Pandemonium, the carnival characters (especially little miss Pierrot Grenade)and whoever else I forgot… I was in awe!!! Honestly, the art form is in great hands. I LOVED IT EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!”
Miss Audrey said it warmed her heart to witness the performances and the spirit of camaraderie among the different performers.
“The big stars could learn a thing or two from these little ones. Look how they’re stage side and stage front supporting each other, I love that. Say what you want about this country, say what you want about the youth but you see this-this culture of ours is the way out of the crime situation you know. These children have obviously been exposed to different facets of the culture and that’s what we need. If they know it they will claim it and love it. They’ll protect it and preserve it. It’ll keep them busy too so no time for illegal mischief. Make cultural studies mandatory in all schools and watch our children flourish!”
Five-year-old Jasmine said she enjoyed the music and was inspired to one day sing a song of her own.
“The children brave, I’m brave too and I want to sing a song on the stage. The girl who sang the song about being a Trinbagonian is my favourite because she is five years like me.”
Zachary Ransome caused quite a stir with his 2024 Soca release, Rankatang. He will be among those competing for the Junior Calypso Monarch title this coming weekend.
Jalessa Lazarus further cemented her place among this country’s rising stars. According to Charles, she is setting an example for her peers and veteran artistes with the positive lyrics.
“Books and boys don’t mix, yes man! That is what we talking about. That is a serious message, ah important message. They need to add this girl to a (Ministry) Education caravan or something so she could go around the country singing that song.”
Yung Kymani, Isabella, Jah Majesty And Celebrit-T were among the other performers to hit the stage on Sunday. Each of the young entertainers delivered stellar performances that wowed the crowd and helped to further elevate the excitement and energy in the Village.
The action continued at the Carnival Village on Monday evening with D Starz of Tomorrow Show, hosted by Coryn Clarke.
The eight-year-old said she was honoured to have such a huge responsibility.
“I was one of the performers on Sunday and uncle John asked me to host the next night. I had never done anything exactly like this before but I love my country and I love carnival and I love to try new things so I was like, why not? Anyway it was really fun to see the different artistes perform their songs. We’re really talented and beautiful in this country.”
D Starz of Tomorrow was a platform for up and coming artistes to showcase their respective talents.
There were also guest performances by Jadel, Benjai and Third Bass.
In the coming weeks, the Carnival Village will continue to be a hub of cultural activity which includes performances by veteran and up-and-coming artistes, pan men and women, stick fighting displays, cultural lectures and traditional carnival characters exhibitions.
Whether you’re a local or someone visiting for the Carnival season, you should definitely check it out!
