International flavour highlights Yard Mas Carnival

The anticipation was fever pitch for the revelry and pageantry of Carnival 2023 yesterday as the Yard Mas band pulled out all the stops for the eagerly anticipated season following the scaled-down events of last year.

Despite a sputtering of revellers to kick-start proceedings, the midday sun seemed to spark the revelry as the bands moved out from Centrestage in New Kingston onto Knutsford Boulevard and down to Devon House.

A kaleidoscope of international revellers highlighted the road march which took the patrons from New Kingston to Half-Way Tree Road and then Emancipation Park, and it almost felt that the morning route was too short for Caymanian visitor Tristan Hinds.

"This year has been awesome. I come every year and this is about my fifth year. Since the pandemic, we haven't been able to fully enjoy Carnival, but this year has been out of this world. I love Jamaica and Carnival has been out of this world," said Hinds.

It was clear that the patrons were just glad to be on the road, out and about, despite the masses not gyrating in the initial stages to the tunes belted out by DJ Franco and Brush 1 who commanded the lead trucks.

That did not stop the American crew which included Alison Scrutchens who flew in from Chicago just to get a taste of what Jamaicans had to offer with regard to Carnival.

"I actually wanted to play mas during the pandemic but because of the cancellation, I and my friends decided to come down this year and revel, and I must tell you we had a great time despite the heat here in Jamaica," she said.

Debra Terrier from Florida was also overjoyed that she was also able to come to Jamaica to partake in the Yard Mas festivities which culminated just after sunset.

"It was my first time in Jamaica and I must tell you it was awesome with the vibe and people who are so friendly; it was great," said Terrier.

The Yard Mas female revellers sported costumes including Aja, Kahleei and Dolly, dazzling the eyes of the onlookers who lined the streets from New Kingston to Half-Way Tree.

Such was the fun that Trinidadian student Jerel Barzey from The University of the West Indies was elated that mas was once again a mainstay in Jamaica.

"This Carnival has been fun as I like the costumes that Yard Mas came up with this season, and it just goes to show that the revelry is true and real right here in Jamaica," said Barzey.

Following the morning session, the revellers had lunch and then took to the road in the afternoon with celebrities Laa Lee, Ding Dong, and Chi Ching Ching joining in the festivities on the sponsored trucks.

Minister of Heath and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton and Member of Parliament James Robertson were also among those who watched the fun come to a close at the Old Cinema 2 in New Kingston.