Introducing, Dis is Mas: I was so excited to discover that Caribbean people take up space in Toronto; Food, fetes, Carnival - We're luckier than most Since moving abroad l've found myself putting in twice the effort to stay connected to my roots and Carnival especially has helped with that, however, l've noticed that not everyone up here is as familiar with the history and the reasonings behind the Mas. I believe that we could all benefit (myself included) from a better understanding of the history and significance of the Mas and work towards promoting an even better culture of respect for this blissful celebration. In preparation for my first year ever playing Mas back home in Trinidad, the heart the Mecca and where it all began - it's inspired me to go into a deep, deep dive into the history of Trinidad carnival. Growing up in Trinidad, I've known some bits and pieces but lately, l've been on a mission to gain a deeper understanding of the roots and reasoning behind our vibrant and colourful celebration and I wanted to share what l've been learning, in the hopes of helping with the education around Carnival for my fellow Carnival-lovers who are interested Welcome to my mini-series: "Dis is Mas."

Dis is Mas: Chapter 1 - Earliest Carnival Celebrations, Pre-emancipation Did you know? : The earliest Carnival celebrations are said to date back to the 18th century, when French planters brought their version of pre-Lenten celebrations to Trinidad Check out this video for a little more about Carnival in the Pre-emancipation era (before 1838) BG Music: Burn Dem - Black Stalin

Dis is Mas; Chapter 2 - Carnival Celebrations (Canboulay) Did you know? : The Present day Carnival is said to have been strongly influenced by the early Canboulay (Kambule) processions. Check out this video for a little more about Carnival in the earliest post-emancipation Era (After 1838) BG Music: Maestro - Black Identity

Dis is Mas: Chapter 3: The Canboulay Riots Did you know ? : There were multiple attempts by the Europeans to try to shut down, suppress and eliminate the Canboulay processions and elements of the celebrations, but the afro-population fought back nearly each and every time. Check out this video for a little more into one of the major moments of resistance within the history of Trinidad Carnival, the Canboulay Riots. BG Music: Chalkdust - Massa Day Must Done

Dis is Mas: Chapter 4 - J'ouvert and Ole Mas Did you know? : Within J'ouvert over the years, participants have covered their bodies in paint, powder, oil molasses, and even chocolate! Check out this video to go a little more into the J'ouvert celebration and the Ole Mas Traditions in Trinidad and Tobago BG Music : 3 Canal - Blue

Dis is Mas: Chapter 5.- Traditional Carnival Characters Did you know? What Grenadians refer to as "Jab Jab" - is more commonly known in Trinbago as the "Jab Molassie?" Check out this video to go a little deeper into some of the well-known Traditional Mas characters associated with Trinidad Carnival from the pre and the post-emancipation eras. BG Music: Lord Kitchener - Sugar Bum Bum instrumental

Dis is Mas - Chapter 6: History of the steelpan Did you know?: The steel pan which was created in Trinidad and Tobago was born out of the response to the banning of percussion instruments in 1884? Another element in the fight for cultural expression. Check out this video as we dive a little deeper into the creation of the Steel pan, an instrument celebrated across the globe that symbolizes the resilience of our ancestors. BG Music: Olatunji - Engine Room (instrumental)

Dis is Mas: Chapter 7 - Calypso Music, The voice of the people Did you know?: Before Soca, the music sid that filled the Carnival atmosphere was Calypso - Described as the voice of the people, Calypsonians narrated ongoing social and political issues and made clever use of the double entendre to camouflage lyrics that could be interpreted, in more than one way. Check out this video as we expand more on how Calypso was born, and how calypsonians, like their ancestors before them had to fight for freedom of cultural expression, this time amid government attempts of censorship & in the 1900s BG Music: David Rudder - Calypso Music (instrumental)