Guyana Carnival… I cringed the first time I came across the viral posters floating around Instagram. Not necessarily because I felt it was trying to mimic the Carnival cultures of its fellow Caribbean contenders but more so because I have grown extremely tired and bored of the standard nature costuming has diluted itself to.
Apart from the music, Carnival periods are honestly like the Caribbean’s version to fashion week, street style extravaganza. So many local artisans have crafted business models off this niche season while some designers even usually launch their collections just before to take advantage of the record high consumption from local patrons. Therefore, given the fact that Carnival mostly revolves around costuming and the general frolicking in your best gear during the lead up to the final parade, sustainability has always been a highly entertained thought in my mind. How long is it before people get exhausted by the same thing and even more so since the concept is being cut and pasted in different ways? Before seeing my explore page laced with peacock style like costumes in the most eccentric colours last weekend, I could almost have guessed it would have looked that way.
Apart from needing to sustain the concept of Guyana Carnival through highly innovative designs to attract revelers repeatedly, questions were raised over the imported and unnatural feeling the new event encompassed and what will become of Mashramani even though the two have been differentiated clearly in more than one way. To be honest, I personally welcome the whole Guyana Carnival concept from a commercial standpoint and what it means to local artisans and businesses. I also think we live in a highly globalized society that seeks not only to improve business but also to influence sub cultures. Besides, Guyana Carnival is privately owned so who are we to be up in arms?
