Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society Children's Carnival 2012

In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating its 50th year since it began celebrating Carnival Mass and other related activities. Carnival for “Trinis”, as its people are colloquially called, means spending the period between Christmas and Ash Wednesday to engage in all related festivities. Some of the major acts include listening to rich music genres which include soca, calyso and kaiso; playing its famous steel pan and drums, stick fighting and adult and children street mas. Mas refers to the exotic celebration of culture and heritage being represented in thematic presentations of people bearing costumes and outfits as they parade the streets.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society is very much involved in these celebrations but particularly focused on children. It provides a safe space for parents and children to engage in the rich traditions of Mas through its annual event. This year it joined in the nation half century celebrations with beautiful pieces portrayed by infants all the way up to teens. The spirit was hype, the atmosphere was serene and the colors were warming and exciting at the same time.

From the looks of it all the children seemed to be having fun as they strutted their costumes amidst their eager onlookers. It was observed that parents seemed delighted, onlookers were entertained and the participants themselves had a chance to be away from home on a sunny Saturday. The sea of feathers and shiny materials with reflective brilliance could not be missed nor can the bright delightful smiles on the faces of the children be forgotten. The theme for this year was “For the Love of Children” under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Jean Ramjohn-Richards.