Attendees at the Big Bacchanal Friday.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Revellers in St. Eustatius came out in force over the weekend to party and celebrate the 56th edition of Statia Carnival.
The Carnival weekend started with Big Bacchanal Friday. A large line-up of talent had the crowd dancing until 4:00am on Saturday.
The show featured One Love Band International, which travelled from Saba to perform for the appreciative crowd. They did not come alone as Saba was well-represented with many residents from the sister island travelling to Statia to join the celebrations here.
J’ouvert Morning jamming.
The Big Bacchanal also featured Genilio ‘ShowTime’ Hassell, Ortix ‘Face’ Schmidt, Ushendhi ‘Big Shen’ Laplace, Rosendo ‘2 Stroke’ Kingsale, Tardius ‘T-Time Fleming, Turbulanzz Band and D’vybz band. The show led into J’ouvert Morning as the crowd continued the party on the streets of Statia.
Jamm Boyzz and Rebels HD band kept the crowd entertained and partying throughout the morning. The crowd danced, cheered and partied with high energy, even at 8:00 when the J’ouvert Jamming concluded at the gate of Carnival Village.
Later that day, the Queen of Queens & King of Kings troupe led by Makeba Mitchell, Soca Rebels with troupe leader Shakima Brown, Caribbean Tribes led by Julissa Woodley, Golden Revellers guided by Teena Lopes, Carnival mainstay the Real Carnival Survivors led by Jovita “Joan” Green-Windefelde and the St. Eustatius Health Care Department’s Les Papillons came out to party in the Grand Carnival Parade.
The troupes were all dressed in colourful, intricate and expressive costumes as they performed their choreographies throughout the day. Their energy was very infectious and they had the large crowd that lined the streets, which included commissioners Alida Francis and Claudia Toet, cheering and dancing along with them.
Little Miss Statia 2021 Rikaylia Chamberlien and first runner-up Tamar Brown walked in the parade with the Queen of Queens & King of Kings troupe. The young ladies looked elegant throughout the parade.
Ingrid Whitfield handed out earplugs during the parade, while the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force KPCN was out in force to ensure that no problems occurred. There were even some plain clothes officers among the revellers.
