A Little Trivia About J’Ouvert: The term “J’Ouvert” combines the French words “jour” and “ouvert” and means the “Beginning of the Day or Day Open”. Every Carnival Monday, in the wee hours of the morning until day breaks, the greatest show on earth is born. The first revelers hit the streets – jumping, dancing, shouting – abetted, it must be admitted, by the fine local rum, but fueled more by the exhilaration of the occasion. Caution: This early “Mas” is for the true die-hard player.
Pronounced “Jouvay”, this costumed street dance officially launches most islands’ Carnival at daybreak. On some islands, it precedes Mardi Gras or main event. On other islands, it begins the big day itself.
Enough Trivia! This year’s J’Ouvert in Dominica was no exception; the true die-hard players (revelers) came out in large numbers, some as early as 2:00am. For many revelers around the island, J’Ouvert is the highlight of their carnival.
As for me, the two things I love about “Jouvay†are the Lapeau Kabwit bands, and the Pappy Show – what’s J’Ouvert without a Pappy show wedding – literally!
I’m curious to know, what about J’Ouvert do you love the most? Share in the comments below.
Videos by:Simone Senhouse. Find more videos like this on www.caivideos.ning.com
2009 Carnival queen Contestants at Lip Sync Competition – Photo courtesy 
