Tropicalfete hosts inaugural Caribbean Carnival Festival
The Brooklyn-based cultural group Tropicalfete on Sunday hosted its inaugural Caribbean Carnival Festival at Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Place.
“It was a fantastic experience having Tropicalfete partner up with the Brooklyn Public Library to produce Tropicalfete’s first ever Caribbean Carnival Festival,” Tropicalfete St. Lucian-born President and Cultural Leader, Alton Aimable told Caribbean Life.
He said a cast of 69 performers that originated from different Caribbean islands, as well as from Africa, Japan and Brazil, “came out with energy to wow the audience.”
The performers ranged in age from 6 years to 72, Aimable said.
“There were so many highlights from the show, but the one that was near my heart was seeing the kids perform and the stunning Tropicalfete Carnival Queen Tracy Future portraying St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Eruption of La Soufriere Volcano,” he said.
Among the Parade of Costumes were: Kiah Henderson & Kiddies representing Dominica creole; Junior Elias Andrews of Cocorite House Spirit of Carnival; Andra Owens with The Goddess of Jab Jab – Red Devil Glow; Ms. Trini with Madame Lorraine Do Your Ting; Keisha with Rampage De Mas; Christina Joyner with Sun Rise Carnival Monday; Ms. Joy with Joy of Life; Ms. Clarke with Heat Up the Place; Jahsent Nelson with Purity; Shasha Bell Tropical Jewels; Brazilian Carnival flavor with Ana Rose; Lady Vic section for Maini Carnival; Gillia Saltney with Maestro Let the Music Play; John McKnight with Mr. Fete Tan Tan; and Tropicalfete’s Carnival Queen Tracy Future a Tribute to St. Vincent St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Eruption of La Soufrière Volcano.
Aimable said Tropicalfete’s Steel Pan Ensemble, under the leadership of Ashley Murray, also performed.
He said a number of elected officials and other dignitaries were on hand, including: State Senators Roxanne J. Persaud and Zellnor Myrie; State Assembly Members Jamie R. Williams and Monique Chandler-Waterman; Jennifer Joseph attended on behalf of Speaker of the NYC Council Adrienne Adams; NYC Council Members Farah N. Louis, Rita Joseph, Mercedes Narcisse and Crystal Hudson; community activist Anthony Beckford attended on behalf of Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham; and Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago J. André Laveau.
