Trini Tuesday-Peter Minshall

Right now in Trinidad there is a frenzied build-up to Carnival. Just like in New Orleans or Rio there is much costuming, same goes for Trinidad. The organizers of Mas Bands will start planning after Easter since basically during Lent there are to be no such fleshly thoughts or pursuits occuring. The largest and most well known will publish pictures of the possibilities for next year's costumes and member may vote on which theme they are most interested in. Once the voting is complete, the winning design is announced and orders can be taken for costumes. This time of year is the mad rush for completion and fittings. There are many traditional characters who make regular appearances at Carnival but there is also one designer who has forever changed Mas in Trinidad.

* image taken from http://www.carnaval.com/tnt/minshall/

Peter Minshall was born in Guyana but his family moved to Trinidad when he was very young. He is considered a native son and the father of modern Mas. While most mas bands dress as somewhat traditional characters or use costumes that are reminiscent of Las Vegas showgirls, Peter Minshall's designs worn by the Callaloo Company are considered true works of theatrical art and described as moving mobiles.

Merry Monarch

You may think, big deal, just some local Trini costume designer at a carnival smaller than the one in Rio or Mardi Gras. You'd be wrong though. Minshall has acheived world fame in his field and was the main designer for awards ceremonies and presentations during the 1994 World Cup, and opening ceremonies for 1992 Barcelona Olympic games, opening ceremonies for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and the 2002 opening ceremonies in Salt Lake City.

Joy to the World

His interest in costume design began when he was just a boy and his very first mas costume of an African witch doctor won him an award in a local competition he entered at age 13. In 1974 he designed a ground breaking and ethereal costume for his sister which was a sensation. In 1976 he completed his first full company costuming with the theme of Paradise Lost. Carnival onlookers watched a pageant in 4 acts parade past them and Peter Minshall's artistic vision was seared upon a nation.

Bird of Paradise

*images of kings and queens taken from http://callaloo.co.tt/kings_queens/default.HTML

Happy Trini Tuesday

UPDATE: You can find the images TTfootball mentioned here.