*Children have to rehearse, prepare costumes and learn choreographies
*Children between 5 and 12 years participate in the carnival
*Parents also take part in the carnival
*Children’s carnival safeguards a beautiful tradition for the future
*Children between 5 and 12 years participate in the carnival
*Parents also take part in the carnival
*Children’s carnival safeguards a beautiful tradition for the future
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NewsTranscript
00:00 It could be said that Trinidad and Tobago experiences the carnival twice.
00:05 One is the great Bacchanal that fills the city and is already famous in the world.
00:11 The other one is the Children's Festival, a junior carnival, so to speak.
00:16 For the children, these days are a vacation, but not a rest.
00:20 They change their uniforms for the sudden costumes, the sequins, feathers and headdresses.
00:27 The public admires them and flocks to the Central Station, Savannah Park, to watch them
00:33 parade.
00:34 Many of the spectators also have other reasons for coming to cheer them on.
00:39 To give the children that support so that they're able to come out, because we had our
00:45 time already.
00:46 So, especially for the young folks, I think it's very important to, like you said, for
00:53 the culture to learn about history and we have, we're losing it around the world, in
01:02 America, but it's great that something like this still exists.
01:06 It is their heritage.
01:08 It's part of their culture.
01:11 There's no reason why they shouldn't participate and have fun with it, you know.
01:16 So this is who we are.
01:19 This is what we are about, you know.
01:22 So it is a natural thing.
01:25 For them, it is a moment of protagonism in which they imitate part of what their elders
01:30 do.
01:31 Before arriving on this gigantic stage, they rehearse, prepare the costumes and learn choreographies.
01:38 The categories are a challenge to the imagination, innovation, fantasy and traditional.
01:45 Under that premise, they must develop the theme of their choice, ranging from local
01:50 nature to futuristic themes, iconic landscape, horse carts or a tribute to neighboring nations.
01:58 All this is first conceived by the teachers who, through fun, educate them.
02:03 They learn how to jump up, socialize and have fun with their department and their girls,
02:09 their friends.
02:10 So they had fun learning about the Boko Haram and the different aspects of Tobago.
02:14 According to the rules, children from 5 to 12 years old parade here.
02:19 But the reality is that everyone wants to be here.
02:23 For this reason, first come the youngest ones who even need assistance from their parents
02:28 because they are still in preschool and even babies.
02:31 They come the most advanced in age.
02:34 68 bands make it to the final in front of a specialized panel of judges.
02:40 Some parade as a group.
02:42 Others are the start of the theme.
02:44 Some of them help out, but all want to win.
02:47 Despite the competitions, the most important things is always the enjoyment and the camaraderie.
02:54 I love it.
02:55 I love it.
02:56 It's so much fun.
02:57 You know, it's the time to just free up.
03:00 Yes, it's very fun and I think I will do it in the future.
03:04 I walk on stilts.
03:05 Sometimes I'm in Moko Jambi.
03:07 It's really fun.
03:08 I was helping.
03:09 I am 10 years old and I helped with my band.
03:15 It's called the Ballatas.
03:16 I really enjoyed it.
03:17 It was really nice.
03:20 Without interfering in what their children are doing, the parents also take action.
03:25 They are well aware that this is an activity that not only brings entertainment to their
03:30 children but also values that bring them closer to their folklore, their national identity
03:35 and culture.
03:36 It's always a lovely time at Sacred Heart.
03:39 So it's like our, what, fourth year, fifth year?
03:42 It has been a good time.
03:44 Definitely Carnival is part of our culture in Trinidad and Tobago and the girls learn
03:47 about it in school as well.
03:48 So it's great that the school gives them the opportunity to parade.
03:52 The Children's Carnival, although made by little ones, is as important and expected
03:58 as the adult one.
03:59 They may not know it, but they safeguard a beautiful tradition for the future when they
04:05 will also teach other generations the values of Carnival.
04:09 Garis Quezada, a special envoy from the ports of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.