A few years ago, the “skin group” Very Important Mas (VIM) had paraded through the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre in sexy underwear. It was a real provocation for many people who respect good manners…
Since then, it is clear that the outfits of the carnival lovers have changed a lot. In the “skin groups”, the good old military fatigues launched in particular by the Akiyo group, forty years ago, has indeed retired, even if they dig it out of the closet from time to time. Today, all “skin groups” create their outfits and accessories. Some, with exaggeration, say with one or two pieces of fabric with the dimensions (55cm x 55cm) of a bandana, members are dressed… What is certain is that today the body is shown, perfect or imperfect and covered with achiote, “gwo siwo” made from sugar cane juice or paint. Overweight or obese people, often criticized by society, have no shame in wearing these famous outfits. Metamorphosed by the sound of the drum, siyak and conch, these men and women parade every Sunday until Jours Gras in front of thousands of pairs of eyes dancing, singing, smiling and they are photographed or filmed by thousands of cameras, television cameras, mobile phones. Participating in a parade may be a way of doing big group therapy to accept your body as it is. These carnival lovers seem to have no complex.
Over time, the crowd have got used to seeing these quite undressed bodies. In addition, it is rare to hear harsh criticism of the physical appearance of the parade participants. And then, carnival is a time when people forget their daily worries, a kind of safety valve in an island affected by various social evils including unemployment. Maybe there are people who feel crushed under the weight of society and who want to stand out…
On Sunday, February 2, we could see these costumes that free the body during the night parade of “skin groups” in the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre, only two or three groups wore more conventional outfits…
