Carnival in Tunapuna is shaping up to be a successful one, especially with fresh energy on the J’ouvert scene.
For more than 30 years, the Palance family in El Dorado has been involved in J’ouvert celebrations in Tunapuna. Their band has been kept alive throughout the generations and now goes under the name ‘Pink and Dutty.’ It is now under the control of Mr. Avinash Sookraj, who says that since its rebrand, the band has grown in numbers.
“This is over 30 years of Carnival, J’ouvert especially, with Palance, rebranding to Masala, rebranding now to Pink and Dirty. There has been so much happening with it, but I must tell you, I don’t even have that El Dorado team alone. It’s people from Princes Town, Rio Claro, we had people from Grande. This year, Cedros is being part of it. So I’m seeing a lot of people outside of the area coming in to play with us.”
Mr. Sookraj says while there is a greater demand for regional carnivals, the safety of masqueraders and spectators is of most importance.
“I’m seeing that. I definitely saw that last year. And just safety is the most top-notch priority with our band, and I think it should be the main thing.”
So what makes Pink and Dutty J’ouvert unique to Tunapuna Carnival?
He said: “Definitely safety, also the entertainment that we provide, and it’s top-notch when it comes to how we put on the band. It’s not a typical-looking J’ouvert band. We have a modern twist. We keep the culture going. And what is the most different thing about Pink and Dirty is that we have the essence of chutney happening on the road with live performances.”