Mas Spectrum Analysis

Abstract

Caribbean carnival is, as the label suggests, is carnival brought to this country from the Caribbean. Unfortunately the label does not represent the complex range of ingredients that combine to form carnival as we know it across the UK.
Carnival differs across the Caribbean but the most popular form of Caribbean carnival in the UK originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad has a relatively high representation of South Asian and Native American people's. These have contributed to the look and feel of carnival. Whilst the label may read Caribbean carnival, the content represents Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas with spirituality drawn from Christian, Native American, Islamic and traditional African faiths.
Caribbean Carnival has been in Lancashire since the 1970s. It is celebrated annually and at one time boasted the largest procession outside of Notting hill. It continues to be one of the largest festivals in the county.
Most spectators are oblivious to the hard work and dedication that goes into making the event possible. The individual bands that ‘play mas’ (masquerade) on the day are volunteer lead and provide their own resources relying heavily on local people with a passion for carnival. This book is a photographic insight into the workings of one of our more established carnival bands, Spectrum. It attempts to show the development from raw energy to choreographed spectacle as ideas for dance, performance, art and design come together for the total creative experience that is carnival.

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