Barbara Ehrenreich on “Up Close at Carnival”

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Barbara Ehrenreich
Barbara Ehrenreich, author of "Up Close at Carnival." (Sigrid Estrada)

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Breakfast after Jouvay was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, partly because I was so hungry, and partly because I felt completely at peace.

What advice, if any, would you give others going to Carnival for the first time that you wish someone had given you?

Don’t bring any clothes that you have any hope of ever wearing again.


Barbara Ehrenreich has been a columnist for the New York Times and Time magazine and has authored several books including This Land is Their Land, Nickel and Dimed and Dancing in the Streets, about the history of collective joy, as celebrated in carnivals and other festivities around the world. She contributes to Harper’s, The Nation and now Smithsonian. “I tend to gravitate towards topics that either infuriate me, and this includes all kinds of things on economic injustice, or fascinate me and arouse my curiosity,” says Ehrenreich. Her feature story “Up Close at Carnival” in Smithsonian’s February issue, falls under the latter.

You went into this experience of Carnival with nine years of research under your belt. But what still surprised you about the celebration?

I expected to be dismayed by signs of commercialization, and was surprised to learn that this is something that keeps Carnival relevant and evolving.

Why had you waited until now to attend?

I don’t know. Carnival in Trinidad was something I’ve wanted to see since my research for the book Dancing in the Streets, and at a certain point I decided, hey, let’s do it!

What was your favorite moment during reporting?

Definitely Jouvay. Although getting up at 3:30 in the morning is my idea of hell, I was soon swept up in the merriment and the beat.

Were there any memorable or funny experiences that didn't make it into the story that you'd like to share?

Breakfast after Jouvay was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, partly because I was so hungry, and partly because I felt completely at peace.

What advice, if any, would you give others going to Carnival for the first time that you wish someone had given you?

Don’t bring any clothes that you have any hope of ever wearing again.


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Comments (4)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. I know it is two years after the fact, but as I begin my preparation for 2012 Carnival, all this article did was remind me of what I miss so much about Carnival - the beauty, merriment and most importantly the ability of Carnival to unite and breakdown barriers. With that being said, it is sad that the comment from the Jamaican national clearly overlooked the underlying message you were trying to convey in your article - solidarity and peace among all.

Ms. Ehrenreich it would be quite interesting if you were to do an article or research on where the Jamaican/Trinidadian animosity arose, so that such negativity and clear resentment can be done away with once and for all. I invite you back to Trini as soon as possible. Maybe this time you can include Tobago carnival on your visit, as the celebrations across in Tobago is somewhat different; just as beautiful but, even more rooted in the history of the mas.

Posted by Sacha on August 3,2011 | 04:24 PM

Dear Ms. Ehrenreich, No offense but, I like Jamaican carnivals better. I think Jamaicans are better cooks, too. The meat patties in Jamaica are no comparison to the patties they sell here in the US. If you've never eaten ackee and saltfish with fried dumpling for breakfast along with blue mountain coffee, then you have go to Jamaica. Trust me, it's the best! Respect

Posted by historybuff on May 19,2009 | 04:51 PM

Thank you for visiting and i hope u return very soon.As a true trini i am please with your article. I hope anyone reading it would be encourage to attend "THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH". Our twin island republic will welcome u each an very time. TRINI POSSEEEEEEEEEEEEE! LOVE UP D CULTURE. (Note: please leave all worries on d plane it woud b dey when yuh get back)

Posted by Dejon Lezama on March 13,2009 | 03:08 PM

Hope you do a book on Steelbands, Soca and Calypso soon. You have to complete the total experience.
www.BostonCarnivalVillage.com

Posted by Michael C. Smith on January 31,2009 | 03:44 PM



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