HUNDREDS of soca faithful, some toting umbrellas while others in rain coats, braved the inclement weather for last week’s staging of Bacchanal Fridays held at Mas Camp in St Andrew.

“Rain or shine, I’m a Bacchanalist… I’m a soca junkie, rain won’t bother anybody,” said Keisha Kong, while dancing under her umbrella.

Her gal pal Melissa Murray shared the same sentiments.

“The rain made it more fun, actually. It’s soca, you’re having fun, your gonna sweat anyway. So getting wet is inevitable,” said Murray,

Michael Ammar Jr, a director of Bacchanal Jamaica — event organiser, said he was pleasantly surprised with the turnout despite the weather.

“Rain or shine, Bacchanal is ready to wine… Obviously, our customers are very loyal,” Ammar Jr told the Jamaica Observer.

The event, dubbed Bacchanal Beach, saw patrons dancing up a storm to music provided by King Taj, Nuphoric’s Patrick Alexis, and Jamaica’s DJ Smoke. Patrons got an added treat when Lantern MD came in on the action.

The rain had little effect on Alexis’s set. He roamed the venue freely with microphone in hand while interacting with patrons. His personal delivery went over well.

DJ Smoke also delivered a great set.

“Despite the rain, the show has to go on,” said DJ Smoke. “I’ve been entertaining Bacchanal since 2004 and my fans are loyal to me therefore, I have to give them a good set. I have to ensure they are happy. And given the crowd response, they are happy.”

Bacchanal Fridays continues next week. Friday’s theme is Bacchanal and Dancehall.

“This is usually our biggest night as it brings out the fans of both genres,” Ammar Jr added.

— Rory Daley and Brian Bonitto