Carnival 2021 – CANCELLED !

 


Carnival 2021 – CANCELLED !

Over the decades of our country’s history, Trinidad and Tobago has been known for ‘the greatest show on earth’, Carnival. Month of fetes, and events that builds up the momentum leading to the 2 days of revelry and purge. Many on onlookers see beautiful colours, designs and more; but participants feel freedom. Freedom from all the high expectations, and boxes that society places them in. It is acceptable to walk the streets of our beautiful twin Island Republic, in ways that we cannot do on other days. But, trying to put the feelings and experience of this event into words would be an injustice to say the least.

Who would have thought that the year 2020 would caused a shattering to our reality like it did? Who would have thought that Carnival 2020 would be our last Carnival for the foreseeable future? Carnival 2021 came by, and it was met with one word ‘CANCELLED’. This weekend went by like no other in the lifetime of many. The ‘greatest show on earth’ was not a thing this year. Instead, many people spent it trying to recreate it, other resorted to memories of their previous Carnival experiences, while others were just sad. Looking on, all I saw was a processing of grief. Covid-19 caused many people in our society to grieve a cultural reality that we could not experience or live for this year. How could we grieve Carnival? Truthfully, that is not the question we should be asking because I do not think I have all the answers for it. But I can say that much of what I have seen, over the past few days, resembles the stages of grief outlined by Grief theories (GOOGLE IT!).

You see, when I think about it, I thought it made enough sense. Carnival is not just the ‘greatest show on earth’ for us, its is one of the things that many MANY people in our society look forward to because it helps us cope with life. Some people may believe it is an unhealthy coping mechanism, but I am not here to debate that. I’m here to bring insight about how it is actually one of the few things that we, as a society, do in favor of our mental health; in favor of keeping ourselves sane. The culture of fetes, and 2 days of Carnival is not just revelry, but it is a type of crutch for many. Our crutch for the many injuries that life throws our ways. So, how do we not grieve? I think that the question we should be asking. Because the truth is Carnival, as we know it, may not look the same in the future. It may be completely different, what we are grieving is not because we have lost Carnival, but that rather; the incarnation of what we know it to be. 

In our grieving, it is important that we do so properly. That is all. This backyard thing AIN’T it! (JK LOL) Let us remember to remain within the law. Let us remember to remain safe, replacing coping that is safer and in keeping with Covid-19 regulations may be better. 

This link may help you to find some new coping tips: 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes-stressors


PS. If you do not view Carnival the way others do. That is fine, but that does not mean it does not apply because we all have things, we use to help us cope with out life. This may not be yours.

 

Rajiv Gangaram
Social Work, Social Research
BA SW, MSW (Cand), Cert Psychological First Aid

Comments

  1. __Nessa__February 17, 2021 at 5:17 PM

    Agreed. When I saw people having private carnival parties I honesly couldn't find it in my heart to be mad at them. We never know what people are going through. Maybe that was the only thing that could get them through their situation. But you're right, party within the law.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rajiv GangaramFebruary 24, 2021 at 11:04 AM

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is appreciated !

      Delete
  2. Candice C.February 24, 2021 at 5:06 AM

    What a great read! You highlighted the importance of an annual cultural event, identified the feelings of loss associated with it not being ‘a thing’ this year, and shared some tips to help your readers process their feelings in a healthy and safe way! Kudos to you Rajiv! I have subscribed to your blog. Looking forward to more content.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rajiv GangaramFebruary 24, 2021 at 11:05 AM

      Ty Candice, it is my hope to provide day to day insight one mind at a time with this blog. Looking forward to more of your comments !

      Delete

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