What is jouvert in Trinidad and Tobago?

What is jouvert in Trinidad and Tobago?

J’ouvert (/dʒuːˈveɪ/ joo-VAY) or Jour ouvert is a traditional festival known as “break day” or the unofficial start of Carnival, which takes place on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. The festival, with origins in Trinidad, traditionally begins at 2 a.m. and continues until mid-morning on Monday.

What is the history behind jouvert?

J’Ouvert also know as jouvay originated in Trinidad with the festivities of Canboulay, which was a time when sugarcane fields caught on fire and slaves were still forced to harvest the remainding crops before complete destruction. That event was reenacted and male slaves were mocked by their masters.

Where is jouvert celebrated?

Trinidad & Tobago
J’ouvert (pronounced “Jou-vay”) is derived from French patois and means ‘daybreak’. Jouvert marks the official start of the two day carnival celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago. It usually officially commences at 4:00 a.m. on Carnival Monday.

What is a J ouvert party?

J’ouvert. J’ouvert is a large street party during Carnival in the eastern Caribbean region. J’ouvert is a contraction of the French jour ouvert, or dawn/day break.

What do you do at a jouvert?

During J’Ouvert, partygoers gather on the streets of Port-of-Spain with their bodies covered in mud, oil coca and many other forms of body paint to party on the streets. Trinis refer to J’Ouvert as dutty mas because you will get dirty during J’Ouvert morning.

Who invented jouvert?

J’Ouvert originates with French settlers’ introduction of masquerade balls to the Caribbean in 1783. Banned from participating in their masters’ Carnival celebrations, slaves would hold smaller carnivals in their backyards. Once emancipated in 1838, slaves began participating in Carnival, blending in their own rituals.

Is Canboulay French?

Canboulay (or Camboulay) is derived from the French “Cannes brulees” meaning “burnt cane”, commemorating the burning and harvesting of sugar cane during the days of slavery. It is also one of the foundational elements of Trinidad’s modern carnival.

Is the word jouvert trademarked?

In June 2021, actor Michael B. Jordan found himself in hot water after the public discovered that he and his business partners tried to gain trademark protection for the word J’OUVERT. They were to use the term as the name for a new rum brand.

What is a jab Molassie?

The Jab Molassi or Molasses Devil is one of the oldest forms of Devil Mas. He wears wings, horns, has a wire tail and carries a pitch fork and usually strikes fear in the hearts of both young and old. He was usually covered in a sticky black substance, which was in the old days, molasses.

What should I bring to jouvert?

Masks will be sold at door. Also, any carnival inspired gear, costumes, accessories are recommended. At a very basic level, we recommend shoes and clothing that are comfortable for dancing. Shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting stained with paint.

What does jab mean in Trinidad?

Jab-jab definition Filters. (Caribbean) A person dressed up as a devil-like character, in Caribbean carnivals, who carries a whip in hand that is used to hit other devils with. noun.

What is a Jab Jab Trinidad?

The name of this mas is derived from the French patois for “Diable Diable”. The costume consists of a “Kandal” or satin knickers, and satin shirt with points of cloth at the waist, from which bells hang. On the chest, there is a shaped cloth panel which is decorated with swans down, rhinestones and mirrors.

What is the meaning of Canboulay?

burnt cane
Canboulay (from the French cannes brulées, meaning burnt cane) is a precursor to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The festival is also where calypso music has its roots. It was originally a harvest festival, at which drums, singing, dancing and chanting were an integral part.

Who owns the name jouvert?

Last weekend, actor Michael B. Jordan announced the launch of his forthcoming line of rums, J’Ouvert. The name was quickly called into question, as it references a Caribbean festival that celebrates emancipation but has origins in 18th-century slavery.

What is a Blue devil in Carnival?

One of the most iconic characters portrayed in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, the Blue Devil, or Jab Molassie is one of the oldest forms of ‘Devil Mas’ , and is a figure with its roots firmly set in the history of the island, dating back to the enslavement of black Africans toiling on the sugar estates.

What is the history of JAB Molassie?

Jab molassie is a French patois term meaning “Molasses Devil” and is one of the oldest Carnival characters, dating back to the early days of Canboulay. He represents the ghost of a slave who met his death by falling into a vat of boiling molasses in a sugar factory.

What should I bring to Trinidad Carnival?

Onward to the Ultimate Trinidad Carnival packing list…

• Carry-on essentials:
• In your suitcase:
• Medication. Pepto Bismol or Alka seltzer (for an upset stomach)
• Carnival parade needs. Glue gun.
• Carnival makeup needs (if you’re not getting your Carnival makeup done)
• Body and hair.
• Electronics.
• Clothing and shoes.

What is a Blue devil in carnival?

What is Sailor Mas?

The Sailor Mas character was introduced to carnival in the 1880s when British, French and American naval ships came to Trinidad. It is one of the more popular costumes, being lightweight and inexpensive.

What is a fancy sailor?

The Fancy Sailor was an off-shoot of the King Sailor. The fancy sailor costume consists of papier-mâché headpieces, decorated and painted to look like birds, animals or plants. The sailor outfit is decorated with ribbons, medals, braiding, swansdown and other embellishments to match the headpieces.