Carnival is a time to celebrate. Mardis Gras, “fat Tuesday,” has traditionally been a day to party, dress up, eat delicious foods, and have one big hurrah before the season of lent begins. In many countries, including Haiti, Carnival is a large and elaborate celebration that takes days and becomes the focus of the entire town, region, and country. In fact, Haiti’s Carnival celebrations are among the largest in the Americas and Caribbean.
Normally in Haiti, Carnival (Kanaval in Haitian Creole) is a time filled with dancing, extravagant costumes, music, and parades. Funded by the government, businesses, and wealthy Haitian families, the celebrations take place over several weeks building up to a major celebration in Port-au-Prince, and smaller events in Jacmel, Aux Cayes, and other cities in Haiti. This year, in response to the recent protests and demonstrations, the government of Haiti cancelled the major celebrations of Carnival (Kanaval in Haitian Creole).
The human body can only handle so much physical and emotional pain without a moment to pause and rest. Comic relief provides such moments. Comic Relief is defined in literature as, “comic scenes in a dramatic or literary work that offset more serious sections.” Shakespeare included comic scenes in his tragedies to provide an emotional release from the tension building in the midst of heart wrenching stories. With the backdrop of protests, violence, and financial instability ever present, the stage is set for the need for a slight reprieve, a moment to pause and laugh and dance.
Although Haiti as a whole did not celebrate Carnival, the AP School decided to hold their own fun Carnival celebration. Complete with masks made by the students, dressing up in fun party clothes, banana fritters, and dancing up a storm. It was a fun day for both students and teachers. A chance to collectively breathe and release tensions and simply have fun!
Are these kids not the cutest? The look of pure joy and fun can be seen throughout, and it such a treat knowing that the teachers understand how important these celebrations are to the growth of our students, both individually and as a school community.
