Yesterday the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago officially launched Carnival 2012 at the Grand Stand of the Queen's Park Savannah. There were several planned activities that took place during the course of the afternoon.
The official launch started at 1:00 pm with a Children's Character Play-Park. This event allowed the children to participate in events and see various carnival characters on display.
This was followed by the much anticipated 3:00 pm street parade of Mas Bands. Finally at 4:00 pm there were live performances at the Grand Stand in the Savannah. These performances included Steelband, Soca and Chutney music performances. There was a no charge admission to the days proceedings.
As a side note to the event that took place yesterday here is a bit of Carnival information that you should take note of:
Carnival 2012 | 20.02.2012 ... There are Seventy (70) Days to go before King Carnival sweeps across the Islands and reign supreme... "Yuh better be Prepared!"
The photo above shows that construction has already begun for the Vendor's food and craft booths around the Queen's Park Savannah. These colorful booths will provide food and refreshments along with many craft items for tourists and local shoppers. The music has already been streaming on the Internet especially YouTube. The gossip and quarrels have already begun on islandmix.com.
However, one of the most noticeable changes that has taken place in the country is the "Soca Switch". What is the Soca Switch one may ask? Well simply put, it is the time of year when many of the radio stations that played American music, Reggae and Dancehall music finally discover the indigenous music of the country and switch their music format to a total local music scene. They do what Wack Radio 901 FM. does all year round.
Well if you are in the mood then take a listen to some of the new music released for Carnival 2012. This compilation comes to you from islandmix.com and was done by Julian... enjoy the music!
Playlist Name: 2012 TRINIDAD SOCA MUSIC RELEASES