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Just Friends approaches the judging station at the grandstand

Just Friends shocked the Trinidad & Tobago world with a second place finish in the medium division at Carnival 2012. I am thinking a lot of it had to do with the sexy moves by the Aladdin in the movie below. One reader commented on the my beautiful women photo essay asking if there would be any similar photo essay on the men. No photo essay, but you now have dancing Aladdins.

Trinidad & Tobago is known for having the second best Carnival in the world after Rio in Brazil, so this is quite an honor for this small group. When you parade with a group and get costumed up it is called playing mas or playing in a band. There is no actual playing by the group members as music is supplied by a musical truck strapped with huge speakers that follows the band. Band members simply walk with the group, dance, and drink.

An all inclusive fee goes with a joining the band. The price is anywhere from $200.00 to $2,000 or 3,000 and even as high as $5,000 for the high end elite (figures in U.S. dollars). The cost includes liquor, costumes, security, and for some a bathroom truck. Each band has a mobile bar that follows them on most of the parade route. The bands follow a per-determined route and pass by several judging stations.

Congratulations to all who participated in Carnival 2012 and especially to the Just Friends for the their upset inclusion at number 2.

TT

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