The Kirani James Athletic Stadium was ablaze with colour and creativity last Saturday as the annual Children’s Carnival Frolic (CCF) showcased the rich cultural heritage of Grenada through a stunning array of costumes and performances.
This vibrant celebration highlighted various aspects of Grenadian culture, with participants vying for top honours in several categories.
The day began with a spectacular parade of masqueraders, who dazzled onlookers as they marched from the Keep Left Roundabout to the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, a shortened route from the usual Melville Street starting point.
Peter Bain & Associates wowed the judges and retained their crown in the Fancy Mas category, scoring an impressive 524 points.
Hot on their heels were Helen Marie & Associates with 515 points, and Commancheros & Associates, who secured third place with 514 points.
Nola Bain, Chief Organiser of the St. Andrew-based band, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, particularly the parents, for their unwavering support.
Helen Marie & Associates also triumphed in the Junior King and Queen of the Band titles.
Their costume designer, Lendon Bullen, revealed that this year’s King and Queen of the Band concepts, “The Golden Drought” and “Extreme Rainfall,” were inspired by recent climate events, including a severe drought and the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Bullen emphasised the relevance of these themes in 2024, given the rising sea levels and heatwaves, and acknowledged the support from the Government of Grenada’s G-CRews project.
“We thought it was very relevant to have a concept like this for 2024,” stated Bullen, who noted that the G-CRews project ”is dedicated to raising awareness and creating resilience in the water sector” amidst the impacts of climate change.
He echoed the words of Bain also expressing thanks to the parents for their continued support.
In the Traditional Mas category, Demonic Angels dazzled the judges and spectators alike, triumphing with 277 points.
House Of Creation followed with 269 points, and Hermitage Shortknee Band captured third place with 267 points.
The 2024 Junior Panorama championship was a musical showdown, with Republic Bank Angel Harps retaining their title for the third consecutive year, amassing 275 points.
Co-op Bank Commancheros and Nexa New Dimension secured the second and third positions with 264 and 263 points, respectively.
The grand finale of the 2024 CCF event was the fiercely contested Junior Calypso Monarch competition.
Ten-year-old Christian ‘Moti’ Niles emerged victorious for the third consecutive year with his powerful performance of “Save One for Me,” earning 248 points.
Shanae ‘Mini Axe’ Sylvan came in a close second with 245 points, while Jaden ‘JJ’ Andrews placed third with 228 points.