Belizean students get taste of Trinidad carnival

Two Belizean students got some culture exposure of their own at Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival as part of a cultural exchange. David Matus and Melonie Bowen say it was worth missing three weeks of school, even though they have “a pile” of make-up work now.

David Matus

“Since we were the first Belizeans to go on this program, I think it is something good for Belize. Not only for Belize, for the whole Caribbean, where we could all learn from each other. And exchange and have that closer bond between the Caribbean countries.”

Melonie Bowen

“People enjoy Carnival a lot. It is like similar to Belize, but it is much more elaborate. And also for old mas, the costumes are also very pretty, but also very different. These costumes are people dress with hats; full body costumes are what the Trinidad people where. Two piece costumes and stuff.”

According to the Belize Arts Council, they are hoping students from other countries will be able come to Belize’s summer music camp. The 14 country Cariforum exchange program is funding by the European Union.