Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

Left: French Connection's Ian Wong (left) and Garth Walker chit-chat at the press launch of Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival 2007 season held at Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road, on Wednesday, January 17.   Right: David Walton, brand manager for Appleton Jamaica Rum, and Charmaine Franklin (left) listen keenly to Breanna Rae. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Go coconuts on Friday February 9, when Bacchanal Carnival Island Adventures officially opens with the first of a ten-week season of Friday night fêtes which will culminate with Carnival Week, starting Saturday, April 7, and ending with the Road Parade on Sunday, April 15. That is actually longer than a week, but playing mas is serious business that requires much time!

All this was revealed on Wednesday, January 17, at the launch of Bacchanal Carnival 2007, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, which saw a gathering of the organisers and major sponsors.

"We've never put together an entertainment package like this," boasts Michael Ammar, who promised that Bacchanal carnival 2007 would be the best package of Carnival events ever seen in Jamaica.

"This year the world is watching us," he reminded the audience, alluding to the coming International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup which will overlap with Jamaica's Carnival celebrations. "Not only the people who normally come to Carnival will enjoy it, but also the thousands whose eyes will be on Jamaica when the cricket comes," he continued.

And will they have a treat!

The organisers promise a kaleidoscope of beautiful colours, glistening beads and very sexy costumes. Models wore the said sexy costumes at the launch, which bear interesting names like Tahitian Gold and Copacabana.

Socacise classes

The bacchanal essentials will return this year, including weekly socacise classes, starting Monday, February 12, and for each subsequent Monday until just before Carnival week. Bacchanal Beach J'ouvert is on the calendar as expected, and the buzz is that the Trinis will be sending their spies, so that they can discover the formula to Beach J'ouvert. And they boast of having the best Carnival - hmph!

For Kingston's Bacchanal J'ouvert, Mr. Ammar revealed that they will be making a conscious effort to introduce Jamaican culture into the revelry by adding 'Jonkanoo Jams' to the entertainment line-up.

A complete listing of the Bacchanal Carnival 2007 events is available at www.bacchanaljamaica.com

Left: Digicel's Maurice Bryan (centre) seems comfortable with being sandwiched by models Lacian (left) and Ravekia, who are wearing the Digicel-sponsored Soufrierre costume, and the Tahitian Gold costume, respectively.   Right: A model displays one of the Island Dreams costumes that will be a part of Bacchanal Carnival this year.