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Partying towards equality |
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Party politics
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2002
© Courtesy of Arthur France |
Because the carnival form has undergone many changes, its origins are fiercely contested. Although its roots probably lie in an earlier pagan festival, carnivals were originally recorded as being held in 15th Century Italy to celebrate the last day before Lent, i. e. Shrove Tuesday or Mardis Gras. The word 'carne' (meaning meat) and the word 'vale' (meaning farewell) make up the word carnival. The Mardi Gras Easter celebrations are still visible today in Europe and Latin America. The ‘mas’ or masquerade aspect of carnival probably originated in Italy later on, as a means of living up to the Italian phrase “A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale” - during carnival any prank goes.
French settlers, in the 18th Century, introduced carnival to Trinidad, where it began as a high-society affair, indulged in by the colonial rulers. After emancipation in 1830, carnivals were adopted by newly freed slaves to celebrate their liberation. The distinctive sound and rhythm of samba, calypso and steel pan, that define Caribbean carnival, are African inventions. However, the flamboyant mas parades with their extravagant costumes were adapted from the European tradition of carnival.
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2002
© Courtesy of Arthur France |
The racism and prejudice faced by Caribbeans when they moved to Britain saw carnival entering another phase. Men like Arthur France had vivid memories of the carnivals of Trinidad and St Kitts-Nevis. They set about adapting their traditional festivities to engender harmony between West Indian communities in Britain and celebrate their own cultural identity. Arthur France was convinced that a carnival would relieve the tensions obstructing the anti-racism campaign.
In its latest role, carnival is an expression of pride in a multicultural community. Arthur describes it as the only day of the year when “the people of every race, colour, clan and creed come together in harmony”. It is a celebration of the tolerance and diversity of modern day Britain.
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