Carnival in Jamaica: A Chance to 'release everything' on the road, says veteran reveller

Carnival in Jamaica continues to be, for many revellers, a space to release the pressures of the year and “release everything” on the road.

“Just being on the road, finally being able to release the year’s worth of pain, frustration [and] anxiety. Carnival is where I release everything that I’ve held for the year,” reveller Tiffany Hill told The Gleaner during Sunday’s annual road march in St Andrew.

Every year, Carnival in Jamaica brings together participants with a wide range of experience—some taking to the road for the first time, others returning as seasoned veterans.

Hill is no exception. Having attended Carnival in Jamaica since the age of six, she has maintained an almost unbroken annual streak, except during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now in her early 40s, Hill has experienced carnivals across the world but says Jamaica remains her favourite.

“I’ve gone to Carnival in Miami, New York, but home is where the heart is,” she said.

Although currently living between Jamaica and the United States, Hill was among the early revellers on the road, celebrating with the Xodus OlympiX band and wearing the “Goal” costume this year.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com

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