It’s Carnival 2013, CARIBSA Style

Sounds of dancehall, reggae, soca and even latin music blared from the Habersham Hall courtyard on May 10 as the Caribbean Students Association (CARIBSA) and the International Student Services Office ISSO hosted Carnival 2013, a tradition rekindled in 2009.

The weather was perfect for the event, with the cool evening breeze waving the flags representing different countries. Upon entry, patrons were greeted with an array of complimentary masks and Mardi Gras beads.

Additionally, for only $5 one could sample from the delicious spread of jerked chicken, conch fritters, curried chicken, beef patties, pastelon, macaroni and other popular Caribbean dishes; a welcome treat for international students who were feeling homesick. Shara Morris, a first-year student, agreed and thought that “the food tasted like home.”

“The food is authentic. Recipes were given to us by the students and prepared by Bon Appetite,” said ISSO’s Amber Lee. Caribbean punch and popcorn could also be purchased and all were welcome to utilize the face-in-the-hole photo booth and post their photos on Instagram with the hashtag #itscarnival2013.

While some ate, others played a lively game of dominoes and people swayed to the music provided by the DJ, architecture major Michael Daley, awaiting the activities section of the night. That kicked off at 8:30 p.m. with an impromptu band competition that turned into a battle of the sexes as a male team tried to prove that they could create a nicer beat with pots and bottles than their female counterparts.

Slowly the dance floor filled up as the music lured people out to show off their moves. The whining competition started with seven persons and after an intense series of eliminations the crowd settled on first and second place winners who by then were almost out of breath. Second place went to third-year photography major, Stephanie Brown while the absolute crowd favorite was Akmyrat Tuyliyew, a fourth-year film major. His third time experiencing Carnival while at SCAD was no disappointment. “I love dancing, and this year they had some cool new contests. This is awesome,” he said with a huge grin as he continued rocking to the music.

The event soon came to an end and all were guaranteed a safe ride home in the SCAD bus that had patiently been waiting for the revelers. Robert Morrison Jr, a motion media student and member of CARIBSA, was pleased with the turnout and response from the crowd. “What we want is to leave a lasting memory,” he said. Judging from the guests’ grins and laughter as they partied in Habersham Hall, this is one night the students will always remember.