THOUSANDS of children, from those in strollers to pre-teens, lined the streets, revelling in the vibrant chaos of their time of the year, Kiddies Carnival.
Dressed in colourful costumes, the junior masqueraders in the Junior Parade of Bands pranced across the Queen's Park Savannah stage on March 1, embracing the festive spirit and enjoying their time in the sun.
Over 90 bands were scheduled to cross the Savannah stage, and by 1.30 pm, approximately 50 bands were still waiting to make their way across.
[caption id="attachment_1141726" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Masqueraders from House of Jacqui portray Spectrum of Life, at Kiddies Carnival, Queen's Park Savannah on March 1. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Newsday was at the Savannah and noticed most bands being compliant with the allotted time given to cross the stage.
Up to 1.30 pm, the only injury on the stage occurred when a moko jumbie from Belmont Boys' RC fell and had to be assisted to receive medical attention.
At the Grand Stand, the crowd steadily grew. Around 700 people were seated, bobbing their heads and swaying in their seats to the rhythms of the big trucks, while watching the children cross the stage.
[caption id="attachment_1141724" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Carvalho Mas Kiddies portrayed My Magical Garden at Kiddies Carnival, Queen's Park Savannah on March 1. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
This year, some Carnival bands chose themes aligned with nature and tribute to Carnival icons.
DMC Kids Mas Band portraying Nah Leaving A Story of Home sections included the (Caroni) Bird Sanctuary, Steelpans, Buccoo Reef, the Savannah, La Brea and Sorrel/mauby barks.
JB Kiddies Carnival paid tribute to the late educator, music director, artist and cultural icon Pat Bishop.
[caption id="attachment_1141723" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A masquerader from Coco-Lily Productions which portrayed Trini Bush Medicine Vervine, at Kiddies Carnival, Queen's Park Savannah on March 1. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Rainbow Mas Production and Carvalho Mas Kiddies portrayed the Royalty of the Butterflies and My Magical Garden respectively.
And if the kiddies Carnival is any indication of who will walk away with the Road March title, two clear contenders emerged, Machel Montano's Pardy and Bunji Garlin's Carry It. Montano's Pardy seemed to be carrying itself to the title.
Thousand of people also stood on Frederick Street in Port of Spain looking on, including tourists.
[caption id="attachment_1141725" align="alignnone" width="941"] Next Level Jr Devils Mas band portray ParaMinions at Kiddies Carnival, Queen's Park Savannah on March 1. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Newsday spoke to two foreigners and got their opinions of their experience.
Cesar Duarte, 53, from the Philippines, a crew member on one of the visiting cruise ships said the masqueraders looked nice and complimented TT on having friendly people.
Nikki Sargeant, 46, is US-born with Trinidadian parentage, said while she grew up in TT, it was h
