Mashramani

Mashramani is an Arawak (one of the Amerindian tribes -original inhabitants) word meaning "success after cooperative effort". The Success is the gaining of independence from the British- while the timing fits with the Caribbean and South American carnival season.
The whole country rises to a state of patriotic partying. This year the theme was "Mashin' with pride: Keepin we traditions alive", allowing for multiple interpretations within the programme of competitions:- Dramatic Poetry recitals, Calypso, Steel Pans, Brass Bands, Soca and Chutney music, and the regional Mash preliminaries where entrants compete for a place, and funding, in the final Mash Parade on Thursday 23rd February.

The preceding Saturday saw the "junior" version- the Schools' Mash parade- with nursery, primary and secondary schools from across the country competing. Each school cohort is headed by a chosen, elaborately costumed pupil positioned within an elaborate structure mounted on heavy duty casters, which is pushed with varying degrees of personal effort- some with a shy dignity- others with a showy extravagance and flamboyance.

One very dignified leader of her school group.