Carnival Calling: Help me get to Trinidad!

Leona Gentles Start Date: Jun 8, 2024 - End Date: Dec 7, 2024
  • Trinidad and Tobago

My Travel Story

by: Leona Gentles Start Date: Jun 8, 2024 - End Date: Dec 7, 2024
Help Me Experience the Magic of Trinidad Carnival: A Dream Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Generous Supporters,

Imagine a place where colors burst into life, where the rhythm of steel drums pulses through the air, and where the spirit of joy and unity transcends every barrier. This is Trinidad Carnival – a celebration unlike any other, filled with vibrant parades, spectacular costumes, and an electrifying atmosphere that draws people from all corners of the globe. It's a cultural explosion that I have dreamt of experiencing for years, and now, with your help, this dream can become a reality.

Why This Trip Matters to Me

I started listening to soca music at a young age, but it wasn't until I was 14 that it truly captured my heart. The pulsating rhythms of Soca and Calypso have been more than just melodies to me; they have been a lifeline. During some of the darkest times in my life, this music has helped me overcome numerous demons and challenges. Each beat, each lyric, has broken into my subconscious and stolen my heart.

During my teenage years I struggled with school and extracurricular activities. I felt like a failure, I was overwhelmed by the pressures of clubs, sports, and academic demands. I began to experience panic attacks. They became a frequent, terrifying part of my life, though I initially mistook them for asthma attacks.

In the midst of this chaos, I discovered the 2015 DJ Private Ryan Soca Starter mix. This collection of songs became my sanctuary. Every time I felt overwhelmed, I would immerse myself in the music. The vibrant beats and uplifting rhythms provided a cathartic release, lifting my spirits and offering a sense of relief that nothing else could. Soca music, known as the "soul of carnival," made a profound connection with my soul.

That bond with soca music has stayed with me ever since. I feel very grateful to have forged that connection with the music in my youth. There are songs from that 2015 mix that still bring tears to my eyes. These songs are not just tunes, they are milestones of my survival, markers of my journey through hardship. They remind me of my resilience and the joy that music can bring into one’s life. Experiencing Trinidad Carnival is more than a desire—it's a necessity. I need to immerse myself in the very source of this powerful music, to feel the energy, the culture, and the history that have had such a profound impact on my life.

A lyric from one of my favorite songs, "Carnival Groupie," resonates with me deeply. I feel as though the song was written for me personally. Paraphrased, it goes, "I'm feeling so down, I think I'm really losing it, I need to get this sadness out of my brain, it is driving me insane," and then the song speaks about how being in the middle of a fete is like therapy. Being in the middle of the carnival experience is like therapy, it helps to rid the performer of all the previous negative emotions they were experiencing. That’s why the performer describes themself as a groupie for carnival. I feel I have experienced something eerily similar. Another recent song, "Anxiety," echoes a similar sentiment with the line, "the soca is my therapy, it takes away all of my anxiety." This is also true for me, as soca music does release me from my apprehension.

I relate to these songs on an almost spiritual level. Even thinking about it right now, I am beginning to feel emotional. That is how important not only this music but also having this experience is to me.


Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Jamaica Carnival in 2024. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my love for Caribbean culture. Dancing in the streets, feeling the vibrant energy, and connecting with people from all walks of life was transformative. This experience reaffirmed my desire to immerse myself in the cultural heart of the Soul of Carnival, and Trinidad Carnival is the pinnacle of that dream.

There is no feeling like the one evoked from standing in the middle of a fete (a party) and chanting along to a song with a group of strangers. There is this unspoken atmosphere where we all enter into a collective headspace and just completely let go of all our troubles and worries and live in the moment. During those moments, it feels as if every single person singing along is experiencing the same emotions. We are one. We are a collective.

The feeling is almost palpable. It's surreal, and after experiencing it at Jamaica Carnival, I am certain it will be amplified at Trinidad Carnival.

 
My Goal: $7000 by November

To make this dream a reality, I need to raise $7000 by the end of November. This amount will cover all necessary travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, food, costumes, and festival entry fees. I have planned this journey with the utmost care to ensure that every dollar contributed is spent wisely and purposefully.

How You Can Help

Your support means the world to me. By donating to my campaign, you are not just helping me attend an event; you are enabling a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave a lasting impact on my heart and soul. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to dancing in the streets of Port of Spain, feeling the energy of the crowds, and living the Carnival dream.

What Your Support Means

  • $25: Helps with local transportation during the festival.
  • $50: Contributes to delicious meals to keep me energized throughout the celebrations.
  • $100: Supports the creation of my own Carnival costume, a piece of art that I will cherish forever.
  • $500: Significantly covers airfare, bringing me closer to Trinidad.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to be a part of this incredible journey. I will be sharing every step of my preparation and experience through regular updates, photos, and videos. You will see firsthand the joy and excitement that your support has made possible.

Let’s make this dream come true together. Your generosity will not only help me experience Trinidad Carnival but also allow me to share the magic and inspiration of this unique cultural event with all of you.

Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart

Your kindness and support mean more to me than words can express. Let’s celebrate life, culture, and human connection together. Thank you for believing in me and for being a part of this extraordinary adventure.


With deepest gratitude,
Leona

 
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Updates

5

  • Flyer On YouTube

    Flyer on YouTube

  • On My Way

    On My Way
    This is my anthem.
    One of my all time favourite soca songs.
    ON MY WAY.

    ~
    Ohhh, I want to go where the music lives
    Ohhh, and only soca could feel like this
    Ohhh, this ah go throw all my stress away
    And is here I want to stay with you
    And only you, right there I want to stay with you
    And only you, right there I want to stay with you
    And only you, right there I want to stay with you
    Stay with you, stay with you
    ~

    This photo is from 2018. Wee bebe Leona :)
    I borrowed this costume (which was way too big for me) and wore it on the road.

Adventure Registry

  • Accommodations

    2,500

  • Airfare

    1,000

  • Carnival Costume

    1,500

  • Events & Activities

    800

  • Food & Drinks

    600

  • Transportation

    300

  • Travel Insurance

    200

  • Miscellaneous

    200