Pellau Magazine

The first Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean-style Carnival will take place this Memorial Day Weekend in the Valley of the Sun, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. From today through Sunday, T&T will be represented by an eight–member contingent, including National Carnival Commission (NCC) Commissioner Cyril Collier. Both Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston Peters and NCC CEO Clarence Moe are expected to join the delegation in Phoenix. While in Phoenix, the group will meet with Senator Leah Landrum and vice-Mayor Michael Johnson as well as members of the business community.
Several local groups and agencies supported the initiative, among them the Ministry of The Arts and Multiculturalism; Tourism Development Company of Trinidad & Tobago (TDC); Carnival Spirit Events Ltd; Image Nation and Pulse8; GayelleTV; and Gills Pan Shop and Digital Business Ltd.
 
 
This year, the people of Arizona will be treated to a version of the traditional Caribbean Carnival, T&T-style presented by the Caribbean American Phoenix Carnival Cultural Association of Arizona (CAPAZ). A release last week from organisers stated that this is one of the few such carnival events in the US that is officially sanctioned by the government and the National Carnival Commission (NCC). The dazzling parade and festival, themed 100 Degrees of Revelry, will feature stilt walkers, steelbands, traditional ole mas, junior and senior masqueraders in colourful costumes and masks and Native American dancers among others. The parade will assemble at 1st Street and Madison at 6 am and kick off at 7 am, ending at the Carnival Village at City Scape at 1 E Washington Street, at approximately 1 pm. Heading North on Madison, the parade route turns East on Jefferson, North on 5th Street, West on E Washington Street to Central Avenue and into the Carnival Village at CityScape.
 
 
Prior to the parade on Sunday morning, there will be several pre-Carnival events and parties. Tonight, The Brick, located inside Arizona Center, is the venue for "Flag Party" Downtown Phoenix. Patrons are being asked to walk with their Caribbean national flags. Tomorrow there will be three events: Carnival Village, which will feature live entertainment, food, art and craft inclusive of local fare; the Island Fantasies Pool Party at Hotel Indigo in Scottsdale;  and The All White Party at CityScape, in Downtown Phoenix, featuring local DJs and entertainment. There will be a "Las' Lap" party at Ocean 7 Nightclub, Scottsdale, on Sunday evening.
 
More info
 
CAPAZ is the driving force behind the Carnival and is a registered non-profit, tax-exempt organisation working diligently with community leaders, businesses and the Caribbean Community to establish support for At-Risk-Youth programmes.  
from The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2012-05-25/tt-carnival-takes-phoenix-storm-weekend
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