A model wears a sample costume at the press launch of Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival 2007 season, under the theme 'Island Adventures', held at Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road, on Wednesday, January 17. -Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Mas has returned to Mas Camp. Last year The Gleaner reported the confirmed sale of the Mas Camp Village in an article entitled 'No Mas - Oxford Road venue to be sold'. The venue was reported to have been closed to parties at the end of last year's carnival season. This should have meant Bacchanal Carnival would have to find a new venue for 2007. However, Bacchanal Jamaica kicked off this year's season on February 9 and is into its third week of festivities there.

According to Michael Ammar Jr, a director for Bacchanal Jamaica, "Mas Camp was sold, but we have a new lease with the new owners. As for now they are letting us stay; we will keep on renewing the lease. At some stage maybe we will have to look somewhere else."

While Bacchanal Carnival is here to stay at the Mas Camp, Jamaica Carnival will be experiencing changes this year, as there will be no road march on Carnival Sunday in Kingston.

Packed road march

For Bacchanal, this could mean a very packed road march. "The costumes are all on the website (www.bacchanaljamaica.com) and they are selling really fast. I would tell the people to book them earlier. The costumes are limited. Last year we were sold out," Mr. Ammar said.

He also claimed that the lack of a Jamaica Carnival road march might mean more of a rush for costumes this year. There is the same amount of costumes as usual and there will now be additional persons wanting a costume for the road march.

While jumping in the costumes is a highlight for most, everyone else can expect fun at the Mas Camp every Friday. Mr. Ammar says "There will be lots more live entertainment this year. Last year we had four live bands, this year there will be seven. The first band will be 'Kes: The Band', we also have 'Image and Company' as well as 'Allison Hinds'."