Bacchanal Jamaica and Xodus Carnival created history on Sunday with their first joint road march celebration.

Co- director of Bacchanal Jamaica Michael Ammar Jr was beaming with pride at the seamless experience.

“It’s the first time in 31 years that I’ve not had to work. There were a few little things to tighten up, but by the time we got to lunch they were tightened up and everything’s going great. I expect the band to double in size… no regrets, no complaints,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Costumed revellers took to the streets of the Corporate Area to soak up the sun and soca music from the many trucks in the road march. There was also a truck designated for an unlimited array of liquor options to satisfy enthusiastic patrons.

The revellers painted the streets with costumes of almost every colour. The sections were dubbed Sweet Treats and Candy Land, which featured costumes taking on the names of different sweets. These included: Sweet Tarts, Ice breaker, Cotton Candy, Skittles, Red Whine, Tutti Fruitti, Sprinkles, Candy Apple, Red Velvet, Icy, Juicy Fruit, Pop Rocks, Honey Dew, Milk Shake, Dulce, and Licorice. Unfortunately, the Jolly Lolly section was cancelled due to late shipment.

Nevertheless, Ammar Jr was pleased with the execution of the day’s festivities and noted that both bands will continue jointly, indefinitely.

“This is a partnership to stay. Bacchanal J’Ouvert is at least three years, probably more, and the way forward is partnerships. We’re getting older; we need some young guys to take over,” he said.

Both bands gathered on the lawns of Devon House in St Andrew for lunch, where the meal options were as international as the revellers. Bacchanal also had a spa that offered feet soaks and other rejuvenating activities.

It was also a memorable experience for onlookers and vendors alike who turned out in droves to add to the sights and scenes of Jamaica Carnival 2023.

Mark Chen was out with his family and noted that it was the first time he had experienced Carnival first-hand.

“We’re from Canada, so it’s pretty impressive to see all the costumes and hear the music. It’s a really good experience; my children and wife love it,” he told the Observer as he recorded the parade with his cellular phone.

Vendor Sandra Bailey noted that sales were steady, and she did not regret leaving her St Thomas home to be there.

“I have sweetie [candy], horns, flags, water, juice…you name it. Mi mek a likkle money since the day start. [I have] no regrets,” she said.

Carnival began at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in the 1950s, as local students — having been influenced by their eastern Caribbean classmates — engaged in the festivities. This engagement became known as the UWI Carnival, an annual event which still exists today. Carnival, however, was not seriously established on the island until the late Byron Lee decided to set it up as a formal event in 1990.

Lee was inspired by Ammar Jr alongside Ricky Mahfood and George Hugh, who formed the Oakridge Boys and had introduced a small-scale carnival celebration just one year prior. The idea was birthed after the men were forced to remain in Jamaica in 1989 due to political strife and one of the most brutal natural disasters Jamaica had ever seen.

The other bands on the road on Sunday were Yard Mas and GenXs Carnival.