For the second consecutive year, Bacchanal Jamaica and Xodus Carnival reaped success at the island’s festivities on Road March Sunday.

Themed ‘Mas Couture’, there were a total of 13 costume sections which bore different colours, designs and interpretations.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, co-director of Xodus Scott Dunn noted that he had no complaints at the execution of the grand parade.

“I’m very, very pleased. It’s our biggest year ever. It’s been a smooth week; the distribution went well, the challenges in the past were smoothed, and the fêtes have all grown into bigger fêtes. People are having a really great time,” he said.

Xodus and Bacchanal joined forces in 2022 after spending several years as separate bands. The other major bands are YardMas Carnival and GenXS Carnival.

Dunn further said that the partnership with Bacchanal has been fruitful.

“Bacchanal is always a good partner. They’ve been doing this for 30-plus years, so it comes with a lot of knowledge. We take that knowledge with our energy and innovativeness, and it’s really a great combination,” the co-director said.

For his part, Bacchanal Jamaica co-director Michael Ammar Jr could not have been happier.

“The partnership was great; everything went well. I’m very pleased and impressed with the road march. I told Scott it’s in good hands,” he told the Observer on Sunday.

“To the best of my knowledge, it was huge — maybe the biggest ever,” added Ammar Jr.

For eight hours, revellers who jumped with Xodus/Bacchanal enjoyed soca music, alcohol courtesy of trucks on the road — as well as at the Devon House lunch stop — and many other freebies thanks to the sponsors.

The organisers even catered to those who might needed rejuvenation from the pelting sun with a massage tent at the lunch venue. There were also carefully placed fans and cold rags to assist.

As for the parade itself, it was strictly vibes, as the patrons gyrated to soca music, with a dash of dancehall that added a local flair.

Bystanders captured the well-attended parade on their cellular phones, with some even requesting photos with willing revellers.

Much to their delight, some children on the sidelines received the backpacks (or wings) from generous carnival-goers, as well as the headpieces.

The colourful spectacle came to a climax on Knutsford Boulevard, dubbed Campari Boulevard, in New Kingston, where all the bands gathered to be entertained and endorse the camaraderie that characterises Jamaica Carnival.

Stylo G takes the stage on Campari Boulevard.

From left: Vanessa Minott, Shaniel May Brown, Melissa Fray, and Kayela Swaby say hello to the Observer photog on Hope Road in St Andrew.

Party over here! This group of revellers make a wining stop. (Photos: Garfield Robinson & Karl Mclarty)

Angie and Michael Ammar Jr pause from revelling for a photo op.

Revellers are high and low

.