The Masquerade is a true depiction of Nevisian Cultural Artform which is strongly influenced by its rich African Heritage. The poem below describes precisely the Origin, Meaning and Rituals of the Nevisian Masquerade.

Adorned with peacock feathered headress,
Masked, trousers and long sleeve shirts,
An apron or mantel for the captain;
Decorated with mirrors, ribbons,
Handkerchifs, tassels and bells.

Masquerade,
Indigenous of our African ancestors
From Yoruba, West Africa
They came -
Culturally rich.

The Big Drum keep the beat,
The Kettle Drum the rhythm,
from the Bamboo Fife notes flow.
The music and dance attract -
'Shango'  God of Thunder.
Mirrors capture the viewers image
And connect with the spirit world,
Shango's visual power the
Thunderaxe'
To religious rituals
Of their ancestors -
They dance.

Quadrille, Fine, Waltz
Jig, Bollolia and Wild Dance
Each movement precisioned.
Distinctive is Wild Dance
When they shout "Una Man Paisa"
 
 

 H Hendrickson

"Una Man Paisa" - pass  down the money