Carnival Conversations: Carnival Is Ageless – Labor Day Parade, NYC

So many people find a home in carnival because it’s something many of them do as early as they can walk. It’s an experience they know they can always partake and enjoy- even in their more mature years.

A few weeks ago we saw how our fave Melissa C. enjoyed Spice Mas, this time she’s shared on her instagram a bit about her smart and talented niece ‘Isabella playing mas for kiddies and what it means to be a second generation Carnival baby.

On the other side of the spectrum, we heard from Sokanista’s Mom who attended the tail end of J’ouvert and top of the New York City’s Labor Day Parade yesterday. The mas bands that showed up early gave that good seasoned sauce and very different look than the popular beads and bikinis.

You’ll also immediately notice the difference in the age demographic of the selection of bands. In the words of Patrice – Til ah old and Grey! These mature masqueraders were decked out and road-ready. They were also accompanied by live steel pan and riddim sections. So much of this reminds us of the carnivals of yesteryears.

Check out our Convo conversations for a different perspective

What country do you represent?

Trinidad and Tobago

Where are you based?

Brooklyn, NY

What you know about this Soka Tribe life? 😉 (i.e. what is your affiliation, how long, how did it start)

Sokanista is my daughter! *Proud mom moment*

What brought you to this particular carnival?

It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the Parkway even though it’s in the neighborhood.

The timing this year worked for me I was in and out from 7:30-10:30am

Have you played mas before? When and where?

Yes, I started playing mas in Trinidad 45yrs ago. I used to play in Baltimore, Brooklyn, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. My husband had a band based in Brooklyn for years. Where there was carnival we went…😌

What carnivals would you rinse and repeat?

I’ve done my fair share a few times. Trinidad is always home.

What do you wish you knew about this carnival before going?

I’ve been going to this one for decades, so since after Covid19 I wanted to go back.

What would you say makes this year in Brooklyn carnival different from others?

It felt safer, I have to give them credit the way they were checking people before you go into the parade.

Soca Artist that you would want to fete with?

Chalkdust and Explainer

Anything else the Soka Tribe should know about you?

I am a great supporter

My social media handle is:

Marina Farquhar on Facebook

Labor Day 2023