With sections including Anolia, Bloom, Mariposa, Talon, Venom, Wet, Dragon Fruit, Sol and Ivy, the streets of the Corporate Area were painted in brightly coloured costumes donned by both men and women, as Xodus Carnival made its stamp on Jamaica’s booming Carnival product with a vibrant road march on Sunday.

From as early as 10:00 am, the festivities kicked off at Devon House in St Andrew — where the band also stopped for lunch — before traversing a route that took revellers through Kingston’s commercial district and neighbouring corridors, pushed along by thumping soca and some of the best energy on the road.

There were several trucks on the road which satisfied the appetites of the hundreds who opted to jump with the band who, in 2022, joined forces with Bacchanal Jamaica.

Between soca music, and a dash of dancehall here and there, mixed with the pelting sun in the morning hours — there was not a single static patron as they all tried to soak in every bit of the experience.

Trinidad and Tobago, which is known as the home of Carnival, was fairly represented.

Xodus patron Karlene Brown flew in from Tobago for the first time to enjoy the Jamaican experience.

“I think it’s fair to be a harsh critic of Carnival-related events because I’m from T&T, but this has surprisingly been really good. I decided to jump with Xodus because I feel like they’re the most popular one and the vibe is great. They have a liquor truck on the road which is just amazing. Thumbs up, for sure. I’ll definitely be back,” she told the Jamaica Observer before eagerly rejoining her clan.

In true Jamaica Carnival fashion, there were scores of onlookers of all ages. Little girls were excited to be given the backpacks from generous Xodus women. There were also vendors along the streets selling almost everything from liquor to non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and even miniature Jamaican flags which the foreigners took advantage of.

Besides regional visitors, Europeans were also among the lot.

Macy Spencer and her husband Edward were in Jamaica from Germany for their honeymoon when they learned of the Carnival activities, which they agreed was the icing on the cake as far as their visit to the island is concerned.

“This is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The people, the music, the rum! It’s all amazing and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else today,” she told the Observer.

As for the directors, each of them were busy interacting with patrons to ensure an enjoyable experience. One concisely assured the Observer that they had everything under control and had no complaints for this year’s staging.

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.

Jamaica’s Carnival product continues to establish itself as a leading experience in the region, and is now fully entrenched in the island’s cultural image, attracting revellers from all over the world on a yearly basis.

Micheal and Angie Ammar cool down along Trafalgar Road during Xodus Carnival Road March on Sunday. (Karl Mclarty)

Xodus revellers Wendy and Raymond McMaster are all smiles during the band’s lunch stop at Devon House. (Karl Mclarty)

Xodus Carnival revellers take the spotlight at Devon House during the band’s lunch break. (Karl Mclarty)