Tales from the Tribe: Madia’s T&T Carnival Recap

I heard about carnival for the first time in?August of 2010. I had just touched down in London when I met a group of Londoners who were going to the Carnival in?Notting Hill. They asked if I wanted to play in a band (participate in the parade). It was a time of firsts for me — first time moving to a new country; first time studying abroad. I decided to add this to my list. So of course, I said “yes” ?and before I knew it, I was up at the crack of dawn anxious to get on de road!

The music, the culture, the costumes, the food, the drinks, the party?the vibe was hypnotizing. Words can?t express the euphoria that comes from being on de road, connecting with the energy of your fellow man and letting all inhibitions go. That?s the joy of Carnival. That?s the feeling I wanted to get back.

Fast forward 6 years. I meet Shermica. The minute she told me about her Soka Tribe classes and that she goes to Carnival every year, I was sold. I attended class and was immediately transported back to my time on the streets of London. But this time, I was ready for the REAL thing. I was ready for Trinidad.

Last month, I was able to scratch this one thing off of my bucket list. The experience is incredible and in many ways indescribable. All I can say is that Carnival in Trinidad is something that everyone should experience at least once. I?m glad I did. Now, I?m hooked for life.

August 2016

February 2017