Traditional Mas Characters - Sebucan

(Photo courtesy Grace Hallworth), Storyteller  http://denaruttenhall.blogspot.com/2010/07/art-of-playing-mas-sebucan.html

A traditional masque (a form of 16th and 17th Century festive courtly entertainment) popular in the early 1900’s, the Venezuelan/Amerindian-based Sebucan was traditionally performed at Carnival time at Tamarind Square, next to the Catholic Cathedral.

The Sebucan, which resembles the English Maypole dance, is composed of striking patterns, complicated weaves and fascinating motifs. Participants typically wore costumes, paper crowns, such as masks and hats, and were musically accompanied by guitars, quatros and maracas.

While it is now no longer performed at Carnival time, the Sebucan is sometimes performed as part of traditional carnival celebrations, or by primary and secondary schools as a celebration of the blooming of the beautiful poui and the transition from the dry season to the rainy season.