I totally enjoyed my first ever breakfast fete, Dawn. Everyone was dressed comfortably in ‘Lyons’ gear with comfortable sneakers fit for jumping all day and all night. With rags and flags in hand, patrons jumped and waved the whole night through, giving little thought to how much rest they would need to recuperate. Shurwayne Winchester and his band were the showstopper of the night. Taking the stage just before the sun came up, he put the crowd into such a party trance, hypnotizing the crowd with his sweet lyrics. At one point he ended up in the crowd, as he led us through a PALANCE that lasted for nearly an hour. Trinis really know how to party hard come Carnival. Anyone with a weak heart or a bad back, shouldn’t even make the effort. During Carnival, everyone just parties and fetes, giving little thought to sleep or work. As I was informed early and bright, “Go hard or don’t go at all.”

There has always been an argument about how expensive the Trini fetes are, but for me I couldn’t argue. A general admission cost is US$30 (EC$81), less food and drinks. VIP admission would run you about US$100 (EC$270), unlimited food and drinks included. For my VIP tickets I did get unlimited food to eat, quite a variety I might add, from Trinidad’s  famous doubles to shark and bake, to fish and chicken. I must admit that while they had a wide variety for me to chose from. My only concern was that the premium drinks tend to run out quite quickly.  I know some may still say that the price makes no sense, but on any given night you were likely to see at least four BIG bands take the stage, performing for at least an hour each. You also could count on many guest appearances from other artist from in and out of Trinidad to take the stage. It was a pure anticipation as with every band performance, you waited to see who would be the surprise guest.

I saw the always ‘saucy one’ Denise Belfon show just why she will always be respected in the soca arena. She is deliriously funny and a great performer. Tallpree of Grenada put the crowd into a frenzy as he performed  ‘Wicked Jab’ and ‘Ole Oman Alone’. Problem Child from out of St. Vincent brought the house down with his remix of Donaeo’s monster hit ‘Party Hard’.
Trinidadians are a warm set of friendly people, who ensure that you must ‘full joy’ yourself while on their island. The lights, the confetti, the stage set, the paraphernalia, everything makes it all worth it.  I must give a word of advice to all perspective Trini fete movers though; wear comfortable and protective footwear, you will thank me for it.

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Next week My Trini Palance – Part 3, “Jump and Put your hands up”, the madness that is playing mas in the Savannah.