00:00Each year, the carnival stories reverted as hundreds gathered at the Piccadilly Greens
00:05in Port of Spain from as early as 3 o'clock in the morning to be teleported back to the
00:11year 1881.
00:12The reenactment recalls the Cambly riots, sparked when colonial authorities led by
00:18Police Chief Captain Barker attempted to ban traditional African drumming, stick fighting
00:24and masquerade processions, viewing them as a threat to public order.
00:28Participants chant, drum, march and clash in symbolic battle formations, portraying
00:34the confrontation between formerly enslaved Africans and the colonial police.
01:06The
01:08For the last night, the win the World War is the first time to win.
01:15This is the World War!
01:16They are the second time to win!
01:27The World War is the first time to win!
01:31The World War is the first time to win!
01:36We're going to win this fight, because all of the victory we have here, we have here.
01:49We're going to win this fight, because all of the victory we have here.
02:14It was a time for the emancipated to come together to fight Captain Barker, the true antagonist.
02:20Captain Barker was determined to bring an end to Kambule, which he saw as a threat to the public.
02:26We're going to win this fight.
02:29We're going to win this fight.
03:18The crackdown extended to other parts of the country, leading to unrest and loss of life.
03:24Although restrictions were imposed, they were not fully enforced, and the celebrations endured, eventually evolving into modern carnival traditions.
03:32The reenactment concludes with a symbolic concession, representing the eventual recognition of masquerade and public celebration.
03:41My friends, I have come down this afternoon to have a little talk with you.
03:51I wish to tell you that there has been entirely a misconception on your part.
03:57I wish to tell you that there is a desire of the government to stop your amusement.
04:04I know everybody at times likes to amuse himself.
04:10I have no objection to amuse myself when I have the opportunity.
04:19I have no idea what your masquerade was like.
04:26I will therefore give the order that the police shall not molest nor interfere with you once you keep within
04:33the law.
04:36There will be no interference with your masquerade!
04:42I have no idea what your masquerade is.
05:11Carnival 2026 is officially underway.
05:18Sharla Kisto, TV6 News.
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