February 2016


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The Old Yard

Before there was pretty Mas’ there was Old Mas’ and The UWI St. Augustine is doing its part to keep the tradition alive with its annual Old Yard heritage fair and other traditional carnival showings. A highly anticipated staple on the annual UWI Carnival calendar, the Old Yard, took place on 31 January.

Hosted by the Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) at its Agostini Street Gayelle – an actual yard with architecture reminiscent of years past, the event again delivered a dynamic experience highlighting cultural history and featuring a carnival masquerade show.

The Old Yard is strategically designed to be a true educational experience and its 2016 edition featured a Mas Camp Corner. This gave children the opportunity to create their own costumes and participate in the jump-up. Patrons witnessed portrayals of traditional Carnival characters including Bats, Minstrels and Burrokeets, Midnight Robber and Dame Lorraine. Some images captured the memories below.