Carnival Creations
By Soroya A. Pottinger

There's something captivating about Trinidad's carnival. Each year, thousands of visitors from around the world travel to Trinidad to join in the festivities, which are held two days before Ash Wednesday in February. The highly anticipated event, famous for gyrating bodies, beautiful people, and vibrations from the steel pan bands, is known to satisfy even the most insatiable social appetites.

Carnival is one of the most highlighted events in Trinidad, and it is important for the economy. It started 166 years ago, and is a blend of African and French cultures. Sugarcane plantation workers spent the time between Christmas and the day before Lent having fun. In an effort to repent for any sins they may have committed during the time of celebration, they covered themselves in ash when the 40 days of Lent began.

Today some of the traditions continue, and this year's Carnival attendees will be in for a special treat. Funstation4, a group comprised of four Trinidadian women, will officially present Nemesis-the all-inclusive section-as part of the world famous band Poison's elaborate costume line, Cherez La Femme, which is dedicated to history's most powerful women. The all-inclusive package includes food, drinks and snacks on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Nemesis, the name chosen by Funstation4's founding group members Anne-Rhea Smith, Ann Hartley, Nancy Wilson and Shardaye Blanc, is in honor of the revered Greek Goddess of Justice and Fortune. She was known to punish anyone who broke the moral code, was excessively arrogant, refused to acknowledge the Gods or who was selfish. Balancing happiness and unhappiness, it was said that Nemesis measured excessive pride, evil deeds, good fortune and the absence of moderation. The costumes feature blue and purple hues, the colors of royalty and strength.

Smtih, 33, was born in Queens, NY, but spent some of her childhood living in Trinidad. Growing up in a Trinidadian family where her uncles played in steel pan bands, and other relatives made MAS, or costumes, inspired her to participate in the carnival in1997. She later approached Poison, and along with her colleagues, was given the opportunity to promote one of the sections. She is looking forward to premiering Nemesis at her country's annual bash.

"When people see the costumes, I want them to feel a sense of energy and fun," said Smith. "The costumes are vibrant and strong, and I want people to appreciate that they were done by four strong women."

"Carnival just got even hotter!"

For more information on Funsation4 and their upcoming events, please visit www.funsation4.com.