At its core, playing mas is supposed to be about experiencing the euphoria of stepping out of our everyday reality. Completely transforming into whatever we want to be, playing mas is theatrical escapism. Whether we transform into the best version of ourselves, a totally different person, or a made up character with a message, playing mas is about engaging the world from a fresh perspective. This temporary escape fosters creativity, joy, and a sense of freedom, even if just for a day. Playing mas is therapy. It’s health. Playing mas is a human right. Financial barriers should not prevent anyone from enjoying this enriching and liberating experience. Efforts must be made to make the idea of mas more accessible to the masses, more affordable to the people that need it, and more adventurous, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for all to celebrate.

Jouvert, originating from the French term “jour ouvert” (daybreak), is traditionally a celebration of emancipation. Jouvert takes on even greater significance when it coincides with Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States. In 2024, emancipation continues to hold deep meaning as Black Liberation remains an ongoing goal for the diaspora. This celebration is not just a remembrance of past struggles but a recognition of current realities, including the Palestinian and Congolese genocides. These contemporary issues underscore the importance of continuing the fight for freedom and justice globally. By honoring our ancestors and acknowledging these present-day struggles, Jouvert becomes a powerful statement of solidarity and a call to action for liberation everywhere.

The commodification and hypercommercialization of Jouvert and Carnival as a whole should be regarded as cultural crime. These events are not products or mere tourism experiences; they are soulful, joyful expressions of the fortitude and resilience of the people. When commercial interests exploit these traditions for profit, they strip away the authenticity and spirit that make them unique. This exploitation undermines our cultural heritage and identity. Those who prioritize profit over cultural integrity should be held accountable for this profound cultural violation.

The attempt to monopolize Carnival in any major city should be seen as cultural crime. Carnival is not a commercial product or a tourist attraction; it is a vibrant, communal celebration of our collective strength and spirit. Efforts to monopolize it undermine the inclusivity and diversity that are its core values. This monopolization erodes the cultural richness and communal ownership of the event. Those who seek to control and profit from Carnival at the expense of its cultural essence should be held accountable for this significant cultural offense. This will protect the cultural richness and ensure that multiple voices and communities can contribute to and benefit from the festivities.

Jouvert traditionally begins in the early morning, a symbolic act that represents the renewal and liberation as night gives way to day. This timing is crucial, as it commemorates the dawn of freedom and new beginnings. Starting Jouvert at this hour honors the spirit of emancipation and the struggles our ancestors endured for liberty. It is a moment of collective awakening, where participants shed the burdens of the past and embrace a renewed sense of hope and unity. Preserving this tradition is essential to maintaining the authentic cultural and spiritual essence of Jouvert, ensuring it remains a true celebration of our heritage.

Women have always been at the heart of Carnival and Jouvert, infusing these celebrations with unparalleled happiness and joy. Their vibrant energy, creativity, and leadership shape the spirit of these events, transforming them into powerful expressions of culture and community. Women bring a unique vitality that elevates the experience for everyone, making the festivities more inclusive, dynamic, and spirited. Recognizing and honoring the central role of women ensures that these traditions remain respectful and empowering spaces. All participants should act as respectful guests, supporting and celebrating the contributions of women that make Jouvert and Carnival truly special.

Carnival and Jouvert are meant to be inclusive celebrations that transcend social and economic boundaries. Classism and elitism create divisions and undermine the communal spirit of these events. Everyone, regardless of their social status, should feel welcome and equal. Efforts should be made to create inclusive environments where all participants can celebrate together without any sense of hierarchy or exclusion.

The rise of mass-produced costumes, easily procured by Carnival bands through online platforms like Alibaba.com, threatens to dilute the authenticity and significance of this tradition. These pre-packaged costumes lack the soul and craftsmanship of true mas, eroding the immersive and interactive nature of Carnival. By opting for convenience over cultural authenticity, we risk undermining the essence of Carnival, reducing it to a superficial spectacle devoid of its rich cultural heritage.

Carnival should be an authentic, immersive experience that engages all senses and fosters creativity. Participants and organizers must prioritize creativity in self expression, encouraging the use of locally made costumes, DIY costumes and materials that reflect the spirit of Carnival. This approach will enhance the theatrical and interactive nature of the celebration. Let us reclaim Carnival as a vibrant, immersive theatrical experience that celebrates the artistry, diversity, and spirit of our communities.

Carnival should prioritize the well-being and enrichment of the local community above all else, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, where gentrification and displacement are pressing issues. These celebrations are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of local people who have persevered through colonial and imperial persecution (Canboulay Riots) and nurtured the right to unapologetic self expression through generations. The primary benefits—economic, cultural, and social—must flow to the locals who participate in Jouvert and Carnival.

In many countries in the Caribbean, organizers have prioritized tourists with US dollars over the locals, leading to inaccessibly priced events and a dilution of the overall experience. In many urban areas in the US, gentrification threatens to displace the long-standing communities where Black people thrive, eroding the cultural fabric that makes these neighborhoods culturally rich. Carnival and Jouvert should serve as a symbolic counterbalance to this trend by ensuring that the people get access to the events, and local vendors, artists and performers are given prime opportunities to showcase their talents and products. This means prioritizing local businesses and services, ensuring they receive the economic boost Carnival brings.

Jouvert and Carnival serve as powerful unifying events for people of African descent around the world, and even more so this year in LA when it coincides with Juneteenth weekend, the celebration of emancipation in the United States. This convergence highlights the interconnected struggles and triumphs of people of African descent worldwide. Jouvert, as a cornerstone of Carnival, becomes a powerful Pan-African ritual, uniting communities in a shared celebration of resilience, liberation, and cultural pride.

Jouvert's presence on Juneteenth weekend serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing quest for freedom and justice. It honors the sacrifices of our ancestors and reaffirms our commitment to advancing the cause of Black liberation. By recognizing and commemorating both Juneteenth and Jouvert, we amplify the voices and experiences of the African Diaspora, fostering solidarity and mutual support.

As we gather to revel in the rhythms of Carnival and Jouvert, we honor the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience that defines our collective heritage. Together, we affirm our shared identity as members of the African Diaspora, celebrating our cultural richness and diversity. Let Jouvert be a beacon of hope and unity, inspiring us to continue the fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all.