While many sectors of the country are bracing for the backlash of falling oil prices, band leaders in South Trinidad say this has not dampened preparations for Carnival in the city of San Fernando. The Guardian visited several band camps in San Fernando to check on preparations in the run-up to Carnival 2015. At Kalicharan’s mas camp on Harris Street, San Fernando, finishing touches were being put on the colourful creations.
Speaking with the Guardian, Aaron Kalicharan said, “The season started a bit slow, but since Boxing Day there has been a vast improvement.” “We are seeing the rush, that influx of people wanting to purchase costumes.” Kalicharan said not even last year’s Ebola virus scare could keep away South revellers. The costumes for the band, which has won the Band of the Year title in San Fernando 21 times, start at $1,275 for backline and as much as $3,800 for the frontline, all-inclusive sections.
“You see, most of the people that play mas in South are southerners, so there is not much worry about the interaction with tourists. Since the Government gave the all-clear for Carnival, we have seen a lot of people who usually play in town coming here to buy costumes.” He also expressed hope that various government bodies would “push” T&T’s Carnival internationally.
“The National Carnival Commission, the city corporations, the Ministry of Culture, all of them have the resources to promote T&T Carnival regionally and internationally, if they can do it and let the world know our Carnival is on. It will be better for all of us.”