Jump Up for J'ouvert!

Have you ever been to a neighborhood block party? Well, get ready for one of the biggest block party's Houston has ever seen! During the Houston Caribbean Festival, J'ouvert is one of the most popular events attended. With attendees from islands all over the Caribbean, J'ouvert brings together people of all different cultural backgrounds and economic backgrounds to enjoy the tradition that J'ouvert provides.
Although, J’ouvert is now recognized as a time to just let go and have a good time it was not always so. This tradition comes from a time of oppression and cruel treatment. The tradition of J’ouvert comes from a period when African slaves were banned by French settlers to attend the masquerade ball. In rebellion the African slaves covered themselves in mud or oil in order to remain hidden as they staged their own masquerade balls composed of their rituals and traditions, along with imitations of the French and their rituals. As time passed and the slaves were finally freed this mockery was transformed into a celebration of their new found freedom.

As a person of West Indian descent, J'ouvert and Carnival in general are a huge component of my culture and how I identify myself. Carnival is a joyous time, when people from all different walks of life and different financial statuses, come together to enjoy and indulge in the people, food, music, and dance of the people that came before them. J'ouvert is a time to remember our traditions, rituals and ancestors that came before us, J'ouvert allows us to experience life through the ways of our ancestors. In this way, the culture and history of such a diverse ancestral background follows West Indians today ensuring that these colorful and vibrant traditions are carried on, so that the culture, and the people, remain alive.