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Up at 4am for the
Jouvert parade in St. George's! At least it didn't rain and it is
cool at that hour. We went with a bunch of cruising friends including
Todd and Lynn from Blue Marine (left and right) and Delphine and Mike
from Sunset Raider (centre) |
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The light at that
hour was poor so good photos were difficult. Here is one of the
jab-jab bands. These are guys who cover themselves with used engine
oil! |
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The jab-jab men
also favour horned helmets and some of them drag and swing chains as
symbols of former slavery. It used to be the tradition to carry live
snakes but this is now illegal.... |
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...however being
illegal doesn't mean it has completely stopped. Todd was just
watching the parade when one of the jab-jabbers came out of the
group and thrust a 3 foot snake into his face. The snake bit Todd on
the ear and cheek, drawing blood....(photo Blue
Marine) |
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...Grenadian
policemen have lovely uniforms, but they don't seem to like to get
them dirty and took no interest in the attack on Todd, merely
assuring him that the snake was not poisonous. Fortunately this
proved to be true, and poor Todd actually suffered more from an
insect bite which he got on his foot that same morning, and caused
it to swell up for a few days. (photo Sunset
Raider) |
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It is a tradition
of Jouvert to make political statements. This effigy of Nixon is a
little dated, but it took me a little while to realise that it was
just one person with a cleverly made dummy for the lower head and
arms, and tricky Dicky's feet. |
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This 'protester'
carried an empty executive case on the inside lid of which was
written "PM take all de cash". People have the same problems
everywhere! |
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Some of the
spectators were as interesting to watch as the participants. |
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This is the ice
group. It's also a Jouvert tradition to cover yourself with body
paint. Usually it is food dye, but you have to be careful you don't
get painted yourself if you get too close to an enthusiast with a
brush. |
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Six am but not too
early to dance.... |
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....Or have a few
beers |
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This gorilla in
the crowd gave me a moment's pause until he lifted his 'lid'. |
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Tinsel wigs were
the order of the day for many. |
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