The Essence of Carnival

Posted by steveth268 on October 18th, 2014

Carnival is a festive season that is celebrated immediately before the start of the Lent season. Many countries with catholic populations. The main events are held in the month of February.A carnival typically consists of a public parade, reveler groups, floats and masquerades. Combining some elements from the circus like masks and vibrant costumes carnivals are magnificent. Though the style of presenting is different in carnivals in different countries, but the soul of all the carnivals is same.

The tradition of carnival that was started many hundred years ago passed to different countries andwas influenced by different cultures. Many customs of carnivals have been borrowed from African countries like putting together natural things like feathers, bones, grasses, beads, etc. to create masks and costumes to represent a spiritual force. Tradition of dancing to the beats of African drum rhythms transformed the carnival celebrations in all the countries.

For many countries, carnival is a mean to teach the new generation about their traditions and make them stay attached to their roots. Also, carnival strengthens the bond of friendship and community when everyone comes together to work for the making of carnival. The grand costumes that are used in carnivals take several days of time in getting ready. Firstly, the overall theme of the band is decided and on the basis of that the design of costumes are conceived. For all the sections of dancers different designs are prepared. Then goes many weeks of welding, sewing, gluing, embellishing with feathers, sequins, glitters, rhinestones, etc. Costumes are fitted properly to all the dancers.

The large costumes that we see in some of the carnivals, are not very easy to design and make. Huge frames are made with wires, papers, foam, etc. Costumes are made with a lot of precision to keep the dancers balanced on the street and move across the stage during their dance performances. Many forms of materials are used for embellishing the dress. This is not a one person’s job. It needs a lot of creativity, hard work, patience and commitment. Teamwork and organization are essential to the holding of carnival.

Africans used feathers quite a lot in their masks and headdresses as a symbol of human ability to rise above pains and problems, grow spiritually and reincarnate to get a better life. Today feathers are a common element in all the carnival costumes. It is the elaborate costumes made with feathers that enhance the grandeur of carnivals. Feathers that are used extensively for making the costumes are ostrich feathers, peacock feathers, turkey feathers and pheasant feathers. Feathers are sourced way before the event. Many feather wholesalers from around the world supply different feathers to make the final event come alive. Feather Treasure is also one of the proud supplier of feathers to carnivals. Cheap turkey feathers, peacock feathers, ostrich feathers, pheasant feathers, etc. can be ordered easily online now. This saves lots of time of the carnival costume makers.

Carnival art is a mean to self-explore, express, connect to the roots, and unite the world culturally and creatively. Carnivals is indeed a celebration of life.