MARIGOT--Stilt walkers, or Moko Jumbies, from Anguilla added a little extra flavour to the Grand Carnival Parade in Marigot on Sunday as they sure-footedly took part in the procession, towering over troupes and spectators with only an occasional awkward stop to adjust their stilts.
Nine troupes took part in the parade that began at the Agrément roundabout as usual and while the late afternoon start meant it was cooler for participants, it also meant the streets were partly sunny and partly in shadow.
Tropical flowers appeared to be the main theme for the costumes and headdresses of most troupes. Sunlight Revellers presented Botanical Gardens and Hibiscus and Water Lilies. Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital presented Chameleon. Also participating was L'Amicale du Personnel Territorial, organiser of this year's Carnival parades, and its troupe's choreographed routines appeared to be well coordinated.
Crowds of spectators and tourists lined Rue de Hollande and Rue de la République armed with cameras to watch the colourful spectacle as it made its way slowly through town led by an effigy of King Vaval. The procession made the tight left turn onto Rue de La Liberté instead of going onto the waterfront, which was a challenge for some of the big trucks that carried the bands.
The Mardi Gras parade is on Tuesday, February 16, at 1:00pm while the evening in Louis Vanterpool Stadium is dedicated to Youth Talent with a number of up-and-coming bands. DJ Outkast is also on the bill. The show starts at 8:00pm.
Carnival winds down with the Black and White Jump Up starting at 3:00pm on Wednesday February 17, followed by the burning of King Vaval on the waterfront.
The slogan for Carnival this year was "2 gether we jamming."
