The Women of Carnival

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Last Sunday, I had the thrill of attending my first ever Carnival when I was in Haiti. It was a wild night like nothing I have ever experienced. Wall to wall people danced in the streets, while music blared and super-sized floats crept at a snail’s pace down the Champ de Mars in the heart of Port-au-Prince.

Thankfully we were able to get tickets to be in the Minister of Tourism’s stand or it most likely would not have been safe. Tragically the next night, one of the floats caught on fire spreading mass panic while 16 people got trampled to death and countless more were injured. It was more devastating news for a country still trying to rebuild after the near catastrophic earthquake five years ago.

It is even more tragic given the fact that Carnival is supposed to be a time of celebration and great joy. Even the protests over fuel prices (which almost canceled our trip) stopped the day before in honor of Carnival. Despite the numerous hardships most Haitians face, Carnival is a time to let go and have fun. To let the music mesmerize you and beauty of Carnival sweep you away.

 

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Rule of Thirds. I purposely reworked these photos for this challenge. I have many more photos from Carnival to share but I wanted to use this post to focus primarily on the beautiful costumes of the women. They were amazing as were the floats, the music and the crowds. 

 

44 thoughts on “The Women of Carnival”

  1. Lola Jane – Monterey Peninsula, California – Advocate for planet Earth, grandmother, Philippine born, US Air Force Veteran. I blog about topics related to conservation and the environment, living in the California Central Coast, and Philippine-related development topics, to understand challenges faced by developing nations like my home country. I believe we are all connected -- no matter what part of the world we live in -- and positive that we have the capacity to solve our problems…if we know what they are.
    Lola Jane on said:

    Oh wow, Nicole…I thought of you being there when I heard the tragic news. I’m glad to see this post, and the images from the Carnival. Indeed it was a tragic accident, with all the challenges faced by the people of Haiti, and when it is a time to celebrate.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it happened right outside the stand we were in the night before. I am so glad I wasn’t there as to see something like this in person would have been simply horrifying. It is really sad.

      Reply ↓
  2. 3 Kiwi's – Hi guys, We are 3 Kiwi's who have spent time living and travelling abroad and we want to share some of our experiences with you!
    3 Kiwi's on said:

    Captured beautifully. It is so sad that what was meant to be a great celebration ended with such tragedy.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you. Yes, it really is sad.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes Lisa. You are right now that I look back at the photos. I’m not sure if it was just when I captured the pictures or if they were always so sad looking. The occasion is generally really joyful with a lot of singing, dancing and smiling. These were just a few of the random shots I got so maybe not representative but good point.

      Reply ↓

      • I don’t think my comments are stretching beyond my computer now that i’m home… i’ll try anyway! — i’m sure there were women there that had the true inner glow, but perhaps i’m seeing ‘carry-over’ from earlier times. my ‘trained’ eye and time spent doing portraits long ago has prepped me for seeing things/emotions/personality traits in just a simple photo of a person…

        you’ve been writing some amazing posts and it’s my loss to hve has so little time w/fast internet…

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks Lisa for the wonderful comment. Yes when I look at these faces the women do look sad. Every single person in Port-au-Prince knows someone who was killed in the earthquake. Despite their strength you know people are still traumatized. It is hard.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you. Glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Andrew. I appreciate your kind words. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓

  8. I read about the fire and subsequent panicked escape- what a tragedy as you said for a country that has been through so much.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is really sad. It made me feel terrible.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you very much!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! Playing catch up after so much travel. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  11. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Beautiful photographs, and beautiful costumes. I love these kind of celebrations! So I was very sorry to hear about the fire and people being trampled to death. How very sad, especially for such a tragedy to happen in a time of celebration. It’s the yin and yang of duality isn’t it, but not fun for those killed or injured or their families.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is awful Alison. I am glad it didn’t happen when I was there or I would be even more traumatized. So sad.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! They will come! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  13. Angeline Suze – Love travel and photography. Living in Northern California. Photos of locations visited are personal file photos. I’m on Instagram: suze.munoz
    Angeline M on said:

    These are fabulous photos, Nicole! Each a beautiful portrait of these women.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Angeline! It was so hard as I am not at all good at night photography.

      Reply ↓
  14. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    Exciting set of images.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is awful and I’m so glad it didn’t happen when I was there or I’d be horrified. Big crowds tend to scare me anyway as I always get nervous something like this could happen. A fight broke out when I was in the stands and it scared me. Even though there were armed guards and police everywhere I could just see chaos happening and tear gas and guns pulled out. It was eery.

      Reply ↓
  17. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Really wonderful portraits, Nicole. I was so saddened to read of the terrible tragedy.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia. Yes the story was horrible and shocking to read the day after I returned home and had been to Carnival in the exact same place it happened just the night before!

      Reply ↓
  18. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Such beautiful ladies! But awful news, Nicole. How did the fire start?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      One of the large floats hit an electrical line and sparks began. Some of the floats in the parade are huge, being pulled by a semi truck. Apparently they normally just dodge the electrical lines but this time the lead singer on the float hit it with his head and lived. The fire caused chaos in the overcrowded streets and people got trampled to death. It was almost 3 am. SO glad I wasn’t there to see it. Horrible.

      Reply ↓
      • restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
        restlessjo on said:

        I caught something about it on the news but wasn’t sure what had happened. Awful!!!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes it is Jo. Very sad.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! This is when I wish I was a better photographer. I am horrible at night shots but at least got a few that were good enough to post!

      Reply ↓
  20. Kat at travelgardeneat – Life sometimes gets so busy, we forget to stop and smell the roses. Travel.Garden.Eat is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the things that make good memories and replenish the soul!
    Kat at travelgardeneat on said:

    Amazing — the dark lighting and background just make the colors pop! Difficult to imagine the tragedy unfolding amongst that celebratory scene.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it was amazing. I am truly glad I wasn’t there as I know if I ever saw something like that happen it would have been devastating.

      Reply ↓

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