Masquerade: Masquerade is an art form. Uniquely Kittitian, it is our Carnival's grand display of the cultural evolution that has taken place over the course of 300 years. The people taking part in the Masquerade wear tall peacock-feathered headdresses, masks, and fringed aprons that reach just above the knees. The entire costume is decorated with mirrors, ribbons and bangles.
Steel Pan
Mocko Jumbie: Dressed in long colorful gowns, the Moko-Jumbies dance on six to eight foot stilts to the delight of everyone along the parade route. There are many theories surrounding their costumes and the dance they perform. One theory is that Moko is the name of the African God of Vengeance. Others believe it is a corruption of the word macaw; the name of a very tall palm tree covered with thorns, since the headpieces of Moko-Jumbies resemble the heart of the macaw plant when it is in full bloom.
Bull: When the bull goes into a wild frenzy causing chaos and havoc, he's only retelling the story of an incident that happened at the Belmont estate back to 1917. As it is told, the prize bull of that property's manager fell ill, only to miraculously revive. It is this revival that is acted out in graphic detail causing humor and havoc as the bull runs wild among spectators.
Clowns: For hundreds of years the Clowns have been a big part of our Christmas time festival. This is a troupe of up to fifty players that wear floppy, colorful costumes decorated with tiny bells. Each performer carries a leather whip, serves to keep them in sync with the rhythms of their accompanying String Band. In the same tradition of all local folk dances, our clowns wear pink wire mesh masks to hide their identity and allow for total lack of inhibition.
