MARIGOT–The troupe Bacchanal Storm emerged the first-place winner of the Choreography competition at the French-side Carnival when awards were presented at a ceremony organized by Festivités Carnavalesque de St. Martin (FCDSM) in La Terrasse, West Indies Mall, just before Easter.
It was the second consecutive year that Bacchanal Storm has won the competition for their show-stopping routines on the streets of Marigot. Due to the shortened carnival this year because of the hurricanes, only troupe choreography was judged. Hot N Spicy troupe took second place and first-time participants, SKA, finished in third place.
Eight troupes took part in the adult parade: invited troupe Survivors, SKA, Indian Community AISM, Hot N Spicy, Association Los Dominicanos, Crazy Bacchanal, Happy Crew and Bacchanal Storm.
The children’s parade drew five troupes: Grain d’Or, FCDSM, Colourful Smile Again, Chinese Community Association, Association Les Mangiers and Service Periscolaire (schools Marie-Amélie Leydet and Emile Choisy). Each troupe representative was presented with a trophy for their participation.
Among those present for the awards ceremony was First Vice-President Valérie Damaseau, St. Martin Tourism Office Director Kate Richardson, two representatives from the Dutch-side St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF), Senior Carnival Queen Shaina Galvani and various sponsors.
“Who would have thought after what we had been through that we could still have carnival,” said Damaseau. “So, I would like to congratulate all carnival troupes for filling the streets with vibrant colours, music and choreography and for showing the world we are jamming. Without your effort we would not be here tonight. On behalf of the Culture Department and St. Martin Tourism Office, thank you and the carnival committee for the tremendous work.”
President of FCDSM Luciana Raspail made a heartfelt thank you to troupes, sponsors, and to all the FCDSM members for their commitment in “facing the enormous challenge” of putting on carnival.
“Your contribution and participation made it a great success,” she said. “Its clear proof nothing can stop us when we unite with a common objective. Five days of carnival, two colourful parades, two concerts and 4,000 spectators per day and all incident-free. I’m proud to have earned your trust and support to continue the work of my predecessors. I know I can count on you all for carnival 2019.”
The major sponsors were also recognized during the evening; Collectivité of St. Martin, St. Martin Tourism Office, UTS, Sound Masters and first-time sponsor CC1. Additional sponsors included Carl and Sons, Timeless Spirits, Exquisite Car Rental, Madd Designs, Kalaboom Team, BPS Services, Sparkle Services and Hope Foundation.
In another highlight of the evening, former FCDSM President Jean-Philippe Richardson, in the company of his wife Juliette, received a special award and was made an Honorary President of FCDSM.
Luciana Raspail noted Richardson has consistently contributed to carnival since 1999. “This award is in recognition of your devotion and outstanding contribution to the development of carnival for the past 15 years, she said. “Thank you for what you have taught us and for staying with us.”
Richardson said he was genuinely surprised by the honour. “I love carnival and I love culture,” he said. “You supported me so I will always support you even though I am not President. We must continue to push carnival to the next level or it will never reach.”
The evening closed with a video of carnival 2018 made by Soualiga Media, the official videographer for carnival.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75242-bacchanal-storm-wins-best-choreography
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