Tradition and Commerce

Tradition and commerce often clash in many cultures. In Trinidad, it is Carnival that is the cause of the current friction. The complaint, as you would expect, is that traditional skills and creativity are being lost in the rush to make profits. And the profits are large: the two-day festival, which attracts up to 40,000 tourists each year, is estimated to generate somewhere between $27 million and $100 million. A particular problem for traditionalists is that the extravagantly colorful costumes people wear in the bands or processions are now largely being imported, especially from China. These costumes are cheaper and more revealing (another cause of complaint) than those made locally. Critics say these imports are a threat to traditional creations and, worse, mean sending work elsewhere. Others see turning Carnival into a profitable and exportable industry as a progressive move, benefiting the country as a whole. Many people have two minds. On the one hand, the changes are a reflection of what people - mainly tourists - want, and bring in money. On the other hand, there is a desire to preserve traditions. The transformation of the bands and processions into businesses has disrupted the social order, which used to be made up of friends getting together to relax, eat, drink, and make costumes. Both sides agree, though, that the country needs to make better use of the skills of the people in the Carnival business and that the country's resources must appeal to a wider market.