Paramin is an agricultural community nestled in the Northern Mountain Range of Trinidad. It is in a sense closed off from the rest of the island, as the drive into and out of the mountain village consists of difficult terrain that is best navigated by all-terrain vehicles. The Paramin community is known for the band of "Blue Devils" that seem to emerge from the mist of the mountain community and invade the rest of the country during the Carnival season (Late December- Mid- March)….then they disappear, as if in hibernation, until the next Carnival season.
The blue colour of the devils emerged out of a need. The people of the community did not have access to the black molasses that was the trademark of the "jab", so they experimented with different materials and colours. The use of the blue colour was derived from using Crown Blue Washing Soap which was much more readily available and affordable. The process involves dissolving the soap and applying it over the entire body… horns, fake blood and a skin crawling scream is added for effect. The devils then roam the streets frightening passerby and demanding that they "PAY THE DEVIL!" Only upon receiving money is the person left alone and the devil moves unto its next victim. No age group or gender is excused from the devils' wrath.
Every Carnival Monday evening the Paramin community holds an annual Blue Devil Band Competition in the village which is open to the public. The Paramin Blue Devils have become a distinct element in Trinidad's cultural memory and have consistently been able to maintain their place as an active part of the cultural landscape.
If you would like to hire a Blue Devil Band for an event…..continue reading!
The Undertakers- Paramin Blue Devils Trinidad
Manager: Eustace "Ramon" Pierre
Phone Contact: 1-868-398-9398
They also have a Facebook page with video of the DEVILS in action!!!
#BlueDevils #Trinidad #Paramin #PerformanceArt #CreativeBusinessTnT
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