J'Ouvert plays an integral part in Carnival, as it signals the start of Monday and Tuesday revelry. The joyous event takes place across the country in a kaleidoscope of colour. Masqueraders paint themselves with mud, oil, chocolate, and other materials.
The pre-dawn festivities were first introduced by the French, who brought Carnival in the 1780s during a time of slavery. French overseers held pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations that included hunting parties, dinners, balls, and masquerade balls.
Enslaved Africans were banned from participating, so in secret, they held their own celebrations, drawing on their own rituals and folklore to imitate and mock the French.
Newsday spoke with French Ambassador Didier Chabert, who is eager for the early morning jamboree – he will be playing with the band Friends for the Road.
He spoke about the cultural ties between French traditions and present-day festivities.
Chabert said there are striking similarities between the celebrations, particularly in how both countries embrace a spirit of liberation and communal revelry.
“The French Jour de fête tradition, which marks the beginning of Carnival, influenced the early celebrations in the Caribbean and the focus on masked or painted faces. In Trinidad, it remains a pre-dawn event where revellers, often smeared in mud, paint, or chocolate, express a sense of freedom and abandonment.”
He explained it mirrors its French roots, where participants initially covered themselves in ashes or soot, symbolising the stripping away of societal norms and embracing equality for a day.
“Both J'Ouvert maintain a focus on collective enjoyment, often characterised by music, dance, and a shared sense of defiance against the constraints of everyday life. These elements create a deep connection between the two, showcasing how Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago evolved from early French influences while adapting to the unique cultural landscape of the island.”
Chabert enjoys participating in Carnival festivities, including viewing the re-enactment of the Canboulay riots. He said the re-enactment has deepened his understanding of the historical and cultural significance behind Carnival.
“It brought to life the struggles of African and Afro-descendant labourers during colonial times, illustrating how their resistance and perseverance laid the foundation for the vibrant celebration we know today. I now appreciate Carnival not just as a joyous festival but as a powerful act of cultural reclamation, resilience, and expression.”
[caption id="attachment_1138058" align="alignnone" width="1024"] French Ambassador Didier Chabert says there are striking similarities between the Carnival celebrations in France and TT, particularly in how both countries embrace a spirit of liberation and communal revelry.[/caption]
He calls it a symbol of freedom and empowerment, saying it reflected the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for dignity and recognition.
“This experience has shifted my perspective, reminding me that Carnival is both a celebr
