Also known as Kayak Mas, It seems Carriacou doubles in size come Carnival time. The island floods with carnival enthusiasts eager to quench their festive appetite. And Carriacou has something different to offer. There of course is the usual exciting fair of music trucks, scantily clad masqueraders, and too much fun. Yet the most intriguing feature of Carriacou’s carnival is Shakespeare Mas. Yes, you read correctly. This age old tradition is still alive today thanks to carnival historians unwilling to let fall this rich tradition. Men dress in bright handmade costumes similar to West African robes and recite from village to village Shakespeare’s works. This harkens back to slavery where cruel masters would force the enslaved to recite the poetry and plays of Shakespeare, knowing full well they were beyond their scope. Should the enslaved fumble lines they were flogged. Today this continues though without the inhumane spirit of the past. It is an act to remember the past and honor those before them.
