I could’t understand how you could meet him and not fall in love... He was everything. He was beautiful in every way. Not only aesthetically, but everything he stood for. Whenever he was around, the real world drifted away as I became immersed in the whirlwind that he was. He was exciting, and fun, and he made ME feel beautiful. I loved him….I still love him. I loved every moment I spent with him. Every dance, Every smile, Every memory. Being with him was like being lost in a dream. & just like that - As all good things do... We parted ways, and it all came to an abrupt end. Much to my dismay, It was over. I woke up and he was gone without explanation. There was nothing that I could do or say that could bring him back to me. Not anytime soon at least. In a blink of an eye, amidst all of our shared laughter and joy, night fell and he was yet just another memory. CUE THE TABANCA. NO SERIOUSLY. CUE THE CARNIVAL TABANCA - IT IS A REAL THING. Oh wait. Paaah! Did you get worried that I was talking about a man? No, no, no. Don't be crazy. This feeling of loss is birthed from the end of the two most amazing days of the year. The greatest show on earth: TRINIDAD CARNIVAL. Despite all of the lackadaisical, corrupt, ignorance that can often overshadow my beautiful islands during the year, Carnival is a euphoric celebration of liberation that for a mere two days, trumps all negativity. For two days, the entire island shuts down to share in a celebration of unity. We wash the streets with a kaleidoscope of races, vibrant colors and confetti - With musical art, visual art and productions of unique creativity - We express ourselves through costumes and dance, & though we may sometimes lose the point somewhere between the first sip of White Oak and the last Punchy-Punch shot, there is no doubt that the immeasurable energy that radiates from the crowds is an experience like no other. ______>>>>__________ On Monday morning I found myself drunk on life by 10am. With nothing more than a sip of water, my best friend and I chipped down the streets of Port of Spain singing at the top of our lungs, “Leave me aloneeeeeee. I ain't going homeeeeee”. We were an unstoppable force of good vibes and the Carnival had only just begun. This rush of euphoria stayed with me, even until the crack of dawn on Tuesday morning when I had to wake up to begin preparation for DAY 2. Being my first year as a ‘section leader,’ I was sitting in a make-up chair by 3am (shout out to my girl Laura & to all you makeup artists who wake up to work on Carnival). By 6am I had the remarkable team at HARTS dressing me in my phenomenal and intricate costume (I swear the Victoria Secret fashion show has nothing on Trinidad Carnival). By 8am I was being bombarded by strangers asking for pictures, and photographers wanting to capture the artistry of the costume that so beautifully represented our culture… And you know what? Even with all of the ‘fabulousness’ that I was engulfed in, the most beautiful moment of my experience that day was waiting to cross the stage (& the Socadrone was equally as amazing). Looking into the distance, I balanced (those heels are a scene) on an incline ahead of the hundreds of HARTS masqueraders buzzing with elation, impatiently waiting to burst across the stage; a sea of excitement, trembling beneath beads and feathers. I gazed into the flood of people and all I could think of was, “WOW. I’m so lucky to call this place my home.” As the green light was given, the masqueraders stormed across the stage behind me, singing and dancing without a care in the world; a moment of pure ecstasy. My ear drums beat to the sound of “WE JAMMING STILL” as I closed my eyes for a brief moment and smiled to myself. The only country in the world where despite the glass threatening to actually empty, we put it in the rain and fill it back up. Don’t get me wrong - I could rant and rave for days about our inability as a nation to step up to the plate and make a change. Not a day goes by where I don’t question why our justice system is so flawed or what I can do to make a difference - but in that moment of cultural rapture, I couldn’t be happier that I live in a nation where we can put our differences aside - political, racial, religious, whatever it may be - and come together for a common love of the Carnival experience. It was so beautiful to watch the hard work and passion of singers, song writers, designers, creators, business men, foreigners, locals - all come together to create something as powerful as the heart of a (lost) tribe in a blissful world of fantasy (see what I did there? haha no? Not cool? okay moving on...). But seriously, Wherever you’re from, I urge you to experience this magic at least once in your lifetime. There is nothing quite like it - and I can assure you... that when it's all said and done.... your heart will urn for the euphoria that those two days brought to you. There's no tabanca quite like a Carnival tabanca (& if you've experienced the Carnival, but don't return - that's a whole different ball game). It's almost like a drug You physically can't withstand to go on any longer than two days (your feet, exhaustion, rum, sun...), but yet two days is never enough. It's truly a contradicting conflict of the heart, mind and body. But like any true love ... a conflict worth knowing. Until next time my darling love; Carnival 2017 for the win. LET THE CARNIVAL TABANCA COMMENCE. A big thank you to Harts Carnival for yet another AMAZING year of good vibes. Thanks for the pics Lyden! <3
17 Comments
Brittany navarro
3/3/2017 06:59:21 pm
Carly you are truly talented ! I hate reading but I look forward to reading every new post on your blog ! Reading through this I felt a weird feeling and then realized it was my heart racing and pores raising as I read haha . Great job !!!
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Carly Coutts
4/3/2017 07:24:06 pm
AWWWW thank you Britz <3 !! That means the world to meeeee :) Glad you're enjoying them!
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Allan Rochard
7/3/2017 01:23:45 pm
Well written Carley Couttes, Allan Toronto Canada.
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LP
3/3/2017 07:27:47 pm
Couttsss I literally got goosebumps reading this!!! You captured them carnival feels so perfectly well!!
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Carly Coutts
4/3/2017 07:26:13 pm
Thanks Lulaaaa!! & Ofc you always my #1 go-to ;)
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Abigail
5/3/2017 03:13:58 pm
Great read, love your thoughts and perspective, Carly. xo
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Carly Coutts
6/3/2017 02:02:21 pm
THANK YOU!
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Deborahlynn
6/3/2017 05:10:41 am
Meh chile!!! Ya da best!!! xo I knew exactly what you were talking about......
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Carly Coutts
6/3/2017 02:02:55 pm
hahah love ya DeborahLynnnnn <3
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Sabine Vahrenkamp
6/3/2017 07:13:50 am
Hi Carly,
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Carly Coutts
6/3/2017 02:04:02 pm
Sabine :) So lovely to hear from you! Please bring mom and both of you come - you know the Coutts know how to have a good time ;)
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Sheila Gibbons
6/3/2017 10:45:57 am
Carlt. Excellent article. Well written though I must admit you had me going in the first half. I was about to call you and say "chile, you too nice for a tabanca." But as I read on I said "I remember this feeling." Great job.
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Carly Coutts
6/3/2017 02:05:15 pm
hahaha! Not to worry, only a Carnival tabanca around here ;) & Thank youuu <3
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Laura Hart
6/3/2017 11:29:47 am
Wow!!
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Toons
6/3/2017 02:14:18 pm
beautiful my sweet
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Jan Pomeroy
8/3/2017 08:37:46 pm
Carly, what a wonderful tribute to carnival time. You have captured what many, many people feel. You have a beautiful command of words. Lovely costume!
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Aunty Bettyy
8/3/2022 09:18:22 pm
A literary savant
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