NCC Features Carnival Presentations At Point Fortin Borough Day 2023

Port of Spain, Trinidad, May 3, 2023: All roads lead to Market Square this Saturday, May 6, for the annual Point Fortin Borough Day celebrations, which makes a much anticipated and welcome return following a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.

With a packed schedule of events including fetes, a J’ouvert celebration, a Steel Pan exhibition and a street parade of traditional and conventional Mas already lined up, this year’s celebrations will also feature special pre- and post-parade presentations staged by the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) in partnership with the 11th Point Fortin Borough Council and Coca Cola Caribbean Bottlers Trinidad and Tobago Limited.

Making their debuts within Saturday’s celebrations, the pre-parade Clash of Speeches and Stick Fighting Exhibition, and the post-parade Bacchanal Time, will immerse audiences in our rich Carnival history and culture.

The Clash of Speeches showcases our lyrical and creative genius as Traditional Carnival Characters, like the Midnight Robber and the Pierrot Grenade, square off. The showdown also features performances by Speech Bands, Spoken Word artistes, and Extempo artistes.

There will be an open call to any spectators who want to throw their hats in the lyrical ring as part of the Extempo exhibition.

The second pre-parade activity will be a stick fighting demonstration with musical accompaniment by Chantuelles, Drummers, and a Tamboo Bamboo band, as well as Mas presentations by Jab Jab and Gathka.

Billed as a musical Carnival clash, Bacchanal Time comes at the end of parade, where all performers of the Traditional Mas and Individual Mas Parades will have a wind down session to the beats of DJ music trucks, Tamboo Bamboo, rhythm sections, Tassa and African drumming.

In commenting on the Commission’s involvement in this year’s celebrations, NCC Chairman, Winston “Gypsy” Peters said, “We are very excited and honoured to be a part of Point Fortin Borough Day, in bringing new experiences with the Clash of Speeches, Stick Fighting Exhibition, and Bacchanal Time.”

“As we continue to build and develop Regional Carnivals and cultural celebrations throughout the nation, the NCC is always eager to work beside the performers, organisers, and communities to continually innovate, and experiment with new ways to keep our cultural products viable for generations to come.”

The NCC extends special thanks to the Mayor of Point Fortin, Alderman Thomas and the 11th Point Fortin Borough Council for their unending support and partnership. The Commission thanks corporate sponsor, Coca Cola Caribbean Bottlers Trinidad and Tobago Limited, for their support of this celebration of community and expression of Carnival masquerade.

The NCC extends best wishes to all for an unforgettable and safe 43rd Annual Borough Day celebration this Saturday, May 6.