The University of the West Indies’ Department of Creative and Festival Arts hosted its annual Traditional Masquerade Heritage Fair “Old Yard” on Sunday, under the theme “Bois.”
Now in its 40th year, organisers say the event pays homage to traditional mas artforms and preserves the richness of our cultural heritage.
Staying true to this year’s theme, “Old Yard” featured a traditional gayelle, where stick fighters faced off before a mesmerised crowd. It also featured an extempo showcase, where, to the delight of spectators, a young brave contender entered the ring among two masters of the craft.
Head of Department and Project Manager for the event, Jo-anne Tull, explained that the showcase features a clash of sorts – not only among the Kalinda contenders, but also on the mic.
She noted that while the event faces the usual financial challenges, it continues to receive support from the University. She added that increased backing would further strengthen their mission to spotlight the importance of traditional elements within the Carnival landscape.
“If anyone is willing to partner with us, which we’re always welcome, it means that we’re able to show them the kind of delivery that we do every year that is of a high standard. And showing, as well, that the traditional arts in Carnival matter and that they are also quality aspects of the Carnival.”
Veteran calypsonian Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters said the event augurs well for the culture, emphasising its significance and the reason it continues to matter.
“It’s having a perpetuation of the cultural aspect, the true cultural aspect of Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival. This is what our carnival really represents; these characters that are here, this is what is unique to our Carnival, and to keep this tradition going, I am extremely happy.”
Mr Peters added that he was heartened by the strong turnout, noting that with this UWI initiative, the future of the culture is in good hands.
Meanwhile, fellow calypsonian, Myron Bruce, shared that the diversity of attendees exceeded his expectations.
“I was most surprised to actually see the balance of the audience today. We have a lot of youth, we have a lot of mature people, we have some visitors here as well. So, this was more than I expected. This is my first year here and I don’t think I will ever want to miss it again.”