Revellers from Bacchanal 2002. - FileBACCHANAL JAMAICA is back, bigger and better in 2003. Well that is what the group said when they launched their carnival schedule for this year. Under the theme 'Survivor', the group will be staging some 30 events, double the number they had last year.
They kick off next week Friday with 'Bacchanal New Year' at the Mas Camp on Oxford Road and will continue until May 3 with the 'Last Lap Fete'. This slate of events was announced at the programme launch held at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday morning. Michael Ammar, a spokesperson for Bacchanal Jamaica, said: "This year we will combine all the elements we had in the past, as well as adding some new exciting things."
As a result, last year's very popular 'soca'cise' is back at Mas Camp every Monday and Wednesday and once again the events will be free. The group that also brought the concept of playing J'ouvert or 'dutty mas' to Jamaica will be staging the events again, with 'Bacchanal Circus', 'Beach J'ouvert' and 'Bacchanal J'ouvert'.
Of course, there is no carnival without a road march and this year the 'Bacchanal Jamaica Street Parade' takes place on April 27. There are five costumes to choose from, which range in price from $4,000 to $5,500, as well as a T-shirt section.
This year, Bacchanal Jamaica will be joining forces with the promoters of 'Downtown Carnival' to put on that event. The 'Downtown Carnival' festivities will include 'Kiddies Fun Days' in Fletcher's Land, Tivoli Gardens and at the Mas Camp. There will also be a Carnival Queen, a Steel Band Camp and a street parade on Easter Monday, April 21.
