A group of Standard Three pupils from Grant Memorial Presbyterian School got a first-hand look at the art of mas-making and costume design when they visited Ivan Kalicharan’s mas camp in San Fernando yesterday.
As part of a tribute to the legendary band leader and cultural studies, the pupils learnt about feathers, bead-work and beyond from the mas icon who has over 30 years in the Carnival business.
With his workshop at Kalicharan Carnival converted to a classroom, Kalicharan, who himself is a former pupil of the school, was eager to have his team explore the creative process and cultural traditions associated with the craft over a two-day period.
For many pupils, it was an eye-opening experience that connected them to the history and creativity of the country’s Carnival.
School officials noted that the exercise renewed a sense of pride among pupils in their cultural heritage and artistry.
Band leader Ayanna Kalicharan said the youngsters were particularly fascinated by the colours, textures and craftsmanship involved in assembling the various elements of costume.
“They saw it fit to visit the mas camp to see what he does, take pictures with him so they’ll be able to apply the knowledge they gained here towards their project.”
Ayanna added that she had high expectations for Carnival celebrations in the southern city this year noting that there has been an uptick in the sale of costumes.
She said she expected masqueraders for the band to exceed 800.
“The season started off really well, we had a really good turnout for the band launch and sales were going well. It slowed down a little bit but we expect things to pick up, San Fernandians have a trend that they come in the last week of Carnival when the Carnival fever hit them.”
Kalicharan Carnival has won the Band of the Year title in San Fernando 30 times and won the Queen of the Bands title in San Fernando over a dozen times. Kalicharan also has two national Queen of the Band honours.
