Carnival - First Pictures

I finally reduced the number of pictures, but I've decided to do this in two parts.  I figure it will be faster and easier for those loading.  If you have a slow connection or a slow computer, this is graphic intensive post.  It might be a good idea to load the page, walk away, and then come back. 

The governor making the rounds while we wait for the parade to start.

The parade gets started.  I wish you could hear the music.  There is no doubt, the islands have the best music and it always leaves you happy and unbeat.

Our Carnival is in honor of Three Kings Day.  Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar carry baskets of candy and hand it out to the children.

Naturally, you have to have the beauty queens. I do love her headdress.  (Yes, the truck is being driven with its doors open.)

A closer view of the headdress.

Miss Central High - I love that all shapes and sizes are appreciated down here.  (In fact, I can't tell you how often I'm told I need to put on weight!)

Great face decoration with matching collar.

Papi and his puppy Ouzo.  (Papi owns the restaurant The Picked Greek.)

Marching steel pan.

One steel pan produces amazing music, but a large number of them make it impossible for you to refrain from dancing!  I desperately want an album from these kids - I believe the oldest band members are sixteen.  The talent is unreal.

Yes, it was two double decker floats of steel pans.

A closer view to show a couple of different sizes of steel pans.  I still can't believe a cut-down, fifty-five gallon oil drum can produce such amazing sounds

For some reason, the decorated trucks tickled me.

I really admire her wearing that in the Caribbean sun for several hours!

The entourage of the woman in the previous photo.  While she was walking with rhythmic dignity, these girls could really shake it!

More interesting costumes worn by fantastic dancers!

That's all for right now.  I'll upload the Mocko Jumbies (pronounced mOH koh and jumbies is pronounced as it is spelled), the Taino tribute, Gentlemen of Jones's float, and a couple of bigger costumes.  Trust me, you want to see the Mocko Jumbies.  It's worth coming back to see them!